The Queensland Government has established an “expert taskforce” to investigate what is causing fish deaths and abnormalities – including two-headed larvae - among bass stocks in a Noosa River hatchery.
The taskforce will meet for the first time today, some two weeks after the story broke of the two-headed larvae, together with the accusations that the likely cause was spray drift of agricultural chemicals from a neighbouring macadamia orchard.
Neighbouring landholders have also raised fears the area is now a ‘cancer cluster’ with a number of residents diagnosed with various forms of the disease.
Private aquaculture veterinarian Dr Matt Landos, who has been vocal in arguing the evidence points to farm chemicals, is on the taskforce.
State Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said that by inviting Dr Landos to take part, the Government was “sending a clear message that we want to get to the bottom of this matter and all possible causes will be considered”.
Dr Landos said the taskforce needed to consider “interim alternative chemicals and farming practices” for the nearby macadamia farmers in order to provide “improved safety for aquatic animals and sustainable macadamia production".
The taskforce also includes officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, the Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Health, and an independent eco-toxicologist.
Queensland's chief veterinary officer Dr Ron Glanville said the fish deaths and deformities have been under investigation by DPI&F for some time but the cause has yet to be determined.
"The taskforce will be examining all of the evidence and working methodically towards a resolution using the best available science," Dr Glanville said.
Mr Mulherin deflected calls for chemicals to be banned, arguing such decisions were made by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which was reviewing the registration status of carbendazim.
"We are providing what information we have already and will pass on any other relevant information as it becomes available," Mr Mulherin said.
The EPA has also implemented a monitoring program in the Noosa River in response to concerns.
Passive samplers are now in waterways around the areas which are claimed to be contaminated.
These passive samplers absorb chemicals such as carbendazim from the water to give an indication of the average exposure to those chemicals over a period of time.
Claims of a cancer cluster in the area are to be considered by Queensland Health.
Queensland Health said the need for an investigation into an alleged cancer cluster will be determined once specific information is received from the community about their health concerns.
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