Aussies are being encouraged to report any anomalies in marine life after several salmon were spotted with strange markings on their fins on a popular tourist island.
A South Australian resident sounded the alarm earlier this month after she saw “hundreds of salmon” swimming in ankle-depth water at Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.
The woman said the fish had “bright red tail fins”, which she thought was “very unusual”, pointing out that they were exhibiting “strange behaviour”.
The woman said the fish first appeared in the shallows shortly after the Harriet River reopened three days ago, following months of closure.
She said a friend spotted the fish again the following day at low tide and caught one, describing its tail as “half red”, before releasing it after taking photos.
“Today we saw the fish again … Their tails appear all red and are very bright,” the woman continued.
“They were not taking a lure (we wanted to catch one to send somewhere for testing). They were swimming very close to the surface, and we could see their tails sticking out of the water.”
Hundreds of people responded to the woman’s initial post, offering varying theories.
Some branded the scenes “bizarre”, while others questioned if it is in fact linked to the state’s devastating algal bloom crisis.
Have you noticed abnormalities in marine life? Contact joe.attanasio@yahooinc.com
A resident noticed the salmon had distinctly red tails.
(Lilu Ella)What’s causing the salmon’s red fins?
Yahoo News put the residents’ concerns to SA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
A spokesperson acknowledged the department was aware of reports.
They said that without samples, they weren’t able to provide a definitive diagnosis, but said the abnormality didn’t appear algae-related.
“PIRSA have received reports of Australian salmon caught at Vivonne Bay, near the mouth of the Harriet River, presenting with red markings on their tails and fins,” they told Yahoo News.
“Reports also indicated a school of fish in shallow water displaying similar symptoms and lethargic behaviour.
“PIRSA officers have subsequently inspected the site, reporting clear water quality with no turbidity and no obvious signs of algal activity.”
With no deceased fish found at the time of the inspection, officers were unable to collect fish samples.
“Initial insights from veterinary pathology, based on a visual review of circulated photos, suggest the red markings may be ulcers,” they said.
“A range of bacterial or fungal conditions can cause ulceration; however, a diagnosis cannot be confirmed without samples.”
PIRSA officers promptly investigated, but weren’t able to give a definitive answer on the cause.
(Lilu Ella)South Australia’s algal bloom crisis
South Australia’s algal bloom disaster has been devastating in some regions, causing large-scale fish kills, reef damage and major disruption to fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
While some areas are beginning to show signs of improvement, the bloom is still present in others, with recovery expected to be slow and highly dependent on changing ocean conditions.
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PIRSA said they will continue to monitor the situation and urged the public to keep a safe distance from any affected fish.
“PIRSA … reminds members of the public as per the health advice that if you come across or catch any fish or other marine animals that appear unwell or with any unusual symptoms to not eat or touch them,” the spokesperson said.
Australians can report any sightings of fish mortalities via the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522, so further investigations and assessment can be undertaken.
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