FISH STUDY REPORT RELEASED

23 January 2007

The most comprehensive fish study undertaken by EPA Victoria in the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers has confirmed the findings of an initial pilot study undertaken in 2005 and has led to the Department of Human Services (DHS) issuing further advice for recreational fishers in the area.

The fish study looked at a large range of contaminants in fish and eels, including heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, pesticides, hydrocarbons, dioxins and other compounds. It found that none of the contaminants were above the relevant standards, including the Australian and New Zealand Food Standard maximum residual levels (MRLs) and no additional health advice was required.

EPA chairman Mick Bourke said additional health advice is provided by DHS following polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) being found in all fish including eels. However, none sampled in the 2006 study were above the MRLs.

Two eels sampled in 2005, did exceed the MRLs, which led to the initial health advice being issued.

The study also confirmed the 2005 results, which found that there was no health risk from arsenic in the fish.

Mr Bourke said an expert panel was utilised to assess the data collected by EPA and provide opinion to DHS who have issued the additional advice for recreational fishers. He also acknowledged the support of DHS and Melbourne Water for their assistance during the study.

DHS Chief Health Officer Dr Robert Hall said fish is part of a balanced diet however urban waterways can become contaminated with industrial residues, which in turn can build up in fish and eels.

"While it is safe to eat fish caught from these rivers it is recommended people limit themselves to one serve a week. I reiterate my advice following the initial pilot study of 2005 to limit serves of eel to one a month.”

He further advised that it is not uncommon for a more conservative approach to be recommended for women of child-bearing age and children and advised they should limit fish consumption to one serve a month and they should not eat eels caught in these rivers.

Mr Bourke said an environmental audit of the historical contamination in the lower Maribyrnong River in the area of industrial precinct of Whitehall St, Yarraville found levels of contamination for a range of metals in sediment samples, which were consistent with those expected in a highly urbanised catchment.

“The concentration of contaminants, including arsenic in the river are lower than the guidance levels for protection of ecosystems and don’t pose a concern for use of the river, however EPA will continue to require assessment and clean up of the industrial sites as appropriate,” Mr Bourke said.

He said EPA has required companies to clean up contamination at key sites, with work already underway on some sites.

Mr Bourke thanked the members of the Audit Reference Group, including Chair Professor John Cary, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils, the community, Parks Victoria and industry participants for their support throughout the audit, and hoped they would join in follow up work to implement the audit findings.

The audit had a number of key recommendations, which will be addressed by EPA and the companies concerned, as part of their individual notices and ongoing clean up works.

EPA Victoria’s fish study, the expert panel report and the Whitehall St environmental audit can be viewed at www.epa.vic.gov.au

For more information about eating fish safely contact the Environmental Health Unit, Department of Human Services on 1300 761 874 or go to the website at www.dhs.vic.gov.au