By NOEL MURPHY
ANGLESEA River acid levels have increased following winter rains, causing a blue tinge in some areas of its estuary.
No fish deaths have been reported but may occur should the river continue to turn acidic, particularly if there is heavy rainfall in the catchment, according to authorities.
The Corangamite CMA and Surf Coast Shire Council continue to monitor the river’s water quality, and in the river’s tributary creeks, after winter rains washed acidic soils from the catchment into the system.
To protect public health, Surf Coast will install signs advising against swimming or eating fish from areas of the river where the acid levels are above National Health and Medical Research guidelines for public swimming.
The Corangamite CMA recently conducted a fish survey to help determine the number of fish in the estuary to assist decisions around potential artificial openings of the estuary.
Surf Coast and the Corangamite CMA said they would continue working with a community-based working group to help inform how the river is managed.
This group includes Business and Tourism Anglesea, ANGAIR, Anglesea River Support Action Group and the local camps network.
