Hundreds of thousands of native fish, particularly bony bream, have washed up dead at Lake Menindee in western New South Wales (NSW) following a recent heatwave. This event has alarmed local residents, especially those living near the lake, as foul odors permeate the area.
Luke Driscoll, chief executive of the Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation, reported approximately 100,000 dead fish near homes on Sunset Strip. This fish kill marks a troubling trend. In 2023, about 30 million fish died in another mass fish kill at the same location. More recently, in March 2025, flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused similar devastation along the coast of Ballina, where numerous fish species perished.
The Barkandji rangers closely monitored the situation during the heatwave. They discovered dead fish downstream in the Darling-Baaka River, mostly introduced carp, but thankfully, the crisis seemed to subside after a few days.
Driscoll noted that the sudden temperature change following a heatwave led to this ecological disaster. On Saturday evening, temperatures plummeted from 40 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees in less than an hour. Such drastic fluctuations can be deadly for sensitive species like the bony bream, which is important in Barkandji culture.
The cultural significance of these fish can’t be overstated. Driscoll explained, “Barkandji means ‘people of the river,’ and these waters are crucial to our identity.” For the Barkandji community, the loss of fish is not just an environmental issue; it’s a blow to their heritage.
In response, the Barkandji rangers are collaborating with local councils and NSW environmental authorities on cleanup efforts around the lake. They also plan to test the water quality to ensure the ecosystem can recover.
This incident is part of a longer history of ecological challenges faced by Lake Menindee. Factors like climate change, poor water management, and drought conditions have contributed to the decline of fish populations over the years. According to recent studies, Australia’s rivers and lakes are under increased stress, impacting both wildlife and local communities reliant on these natural resources.
The residents and rangers alike hope for improved conditions, recognizing that the health of their environment directly affects their way of life. As they work to clean up and restore the lake, they hold on to the hope that the waters can again be a source of life rather than loss.
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