Gladstone Harbour contaminated

Aerial photography of Gladstone region taken February 27th, 2011: Coal stacks and Mt Larcom.

Chrissy Harris

Related links

• Sick fish spotted in Boyne
• Recreational fishers fear for harbour
• Ban dampens school holiday fun
• Harbour health in review
• Reps to discuss aid for fishers
• Parasite to blame for ill fish
• Fishing ban to stay
• Fish panel planned
• More carcasses wash up
• Gladstone Harbour ready to reopen
• Fisherman loses faith in testing
• Fish health improving: govt
• Not just barra, sharks get sick too
• Council wants cash for study
• Negative publicity hurts Gladstone

GLADSTONE Harbour has been closed to all fishing temporarily.

Fisheries Queensland put in place the temporary closure while Biosecurity Queensland does testing on a condition affecting some local fish.

Late yesterday, The Observer learned a contamination scare had prompted the closure of waters from Turkey Beach to The Narrows. It came as two fishermen were believed to be in Gladstone Hospital receiving treatment for serious infections.

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) director-general Ian Fletcher said fishers had reported barramundi being caught in the area, some with cloudy eyes and lesions.

"Public health is the number one priority," Mr Fletcher said.

"Fisheries Queensland has determined the boundaries for the temporary closure will be between Deception Creek at the top end of The Narrows down to Rodds Peninsula and to the outer edge of Facing Island."

Safe Food Production Queensland said the closure ensured fish that were potentially unsuitable for consumption would not enter the food chain.

FACTS

• Temporary closure between Deception Creek down to Rodds Peninsula and to the outer edge of Facing Island.
• Seafood that shows signs of damage, deterioration or disease should not be handled or consumed.
• Anyone who has concerns about their health which might be attributed to the handling or consumption of seafood should seek medical advice.