Published Wednesday, 28 January, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Taskforce to investigate Noosa fish abnormalities
An expert taskforce has been assembled to investigate what is causing fish deaths and abnormalities among fish larvae at a Noosa River hatchery.
The taskforce will hold its first meeting today (28 January) at 2pm at Primary Industries House in Brisbane.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said private aquaculture veterinarian Dr Matt Landos, who says the evidence points to farm chemicals, has agreed to be on the taskforce.
Mr Mulherin said: “This is a serious issue and it is causing concern in the community.
“By inviting Dr Landos to take part we are 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 “I am extremely pleased that the minister is keen to progress this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with the minister and the State Government. We need to consider interim alternative chemicals and farming practices in co-operation with macadamia farmers, 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 at the Noosa River hatchery have been under investigation by DPI&F for some time but the cause is 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 said: “There have been calls for certain chemicals to be banned. This is an issue for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and it is reviewing the registration status of carbendazim.
“I have written to Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke to offer the APVMA the support of my department in the ongoing investigation of carbendazim and any other chemical reviews that may be initiated by the APVMA in relation to this issue.
“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 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 a matter for Queensland Health to consider.
Queensland Health has 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.
Media: Mark Symons 32396530
The taskforce will hold its first meeting today (28 January) at 2pm at Primary Industries House in Brisbane.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said private aquaculture veterinarian Dr Matt Landos, who says the evidence points to farm chemicals, has agreed to be on the taskforce.
Mr Mulherin said: “This is a serious issue and it is causing concern in the community.
“By inviting Dr Landos to take part we are 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 “I am extremely pleased that the minister is keen to progress this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with the minister and the State Government. We need to consider interim alternative chemicals and farming practices in co-operation with macadamia farmers, 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 at the Noosa River hatchery have been under investigation by DPI&F for some time but the cause is 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 said: “There have been calls for certain chemicals to be banned. This is an issue for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and it is reviewing the registration status of carbendazim.
“I have written to Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke to offer the APVMA the support of my department in the ongoing investigation of carbendazim and any other chemical reviews that may be initiated by the APVMA in relation to this issue.
“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 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 a matter for Queensland Health to consider.
Queensland Health has 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.
Media: Mark Symons 32396530