RECEDING flood waters and warm daytime temperatures are likely to have a significant impact on the health of the North Coast rivers, including the Richmond, following the recent floods, according to the Department of Primary Industries.
"Floods in summer can have a significant impact on dissolved oxygen levels in rivers," said Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Conservation Manager, Marcus Riches.
"When floods cover floodplain vegetation for several days, it starts to die and rot, and this process strips oxygen from the surrounding water.
"This 'dead or black water' then flows back into the river via the flood plain drainage network."
DPI requests the public to immediately report any fish kills, or fish seen gasping at the surface, to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536, or contact their local Fisheries office.