Group gets boost to monitor water data

I talked with Burdekin Fish Restocking Society president Michael Detenon and OZFish project manager for North and Far North Queensland Geoff Collins at Lilliesmere Lagoon where water loggers have been placed after a mass fish kill last year.

Equipment to collect water quality data will be deployed in the Lilliesmere Lagoon in the lower Burdekin region to help protect native fish species.

The project, which received a $12,000 grant through the Morrison Liberal National Government’s Community Environment Program commenced in May and is due for completion by mid 2021.

The Community Environment Program exists for projects such as this, which provide measurable, environmental benefits.

Last February a significant amount of marine life died in Lilliesmere Lagoon, including more than 200 mature barramundi.

This research project will provide an understanding of the changes in water quality which can result in fish kills and from there, measures can be taken to prevent or at least mitigate the impact of these events.

Information on OzFish’s Lower Burdekin Water Quality Monitoring project can be found at: www.ozfish.org.au/projects/lower-burdekin-water-quality-monitoring-north-queensland/