Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers fish sampling and reports

In 2005, the EPA undertook a comprehensive fish study in the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers that confirmed the findings of an initial pilot study undertaken the same year, The fish study led to the Department of Health (formerly Department of Human Services) issuing advice about fish and eel consumption for recreational fishers in the area.

At the time, the then Chief Health Officer Dr Robert Hall told the community that while fish is part of a balanced diet, urban waterways could become contaminated with industrial residues, which could then build up in fish and eels. Dr Hall said while it was safe to eat fish from these waterways, people should limit themselves to one serve a week, and eels 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.

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

At the time of the study, an expert panel assessed the data collected by EPA and provided opinion to the Department of Health  (“DOH”) who issued the additional advice for recreational fishers. The EPA acknowledges the support of DOH and Melbourne Water for their assistance during the study.

• Download the Technical Report – Yarra and Maribyrnong estuaries: Investigation of contaminants in fish (PDF 175KB)
• Download the independent expert panel’s report regarding the above technical report. (PDF 171KB)
• EPA Publication 1116 – Results for contamination investigations for the Yarra and Maribyrnong estuaries. (PDF 277KB)
• View the 2007 media release on the issue. (PDF 200KB)
• View DHS advice for people who catch fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers.

Top