Investigation of eel deaths in western Victoria

Since 2004, EPA Victoria has received reports of eels dying in a number of western Victorian lakes including lakes Modewarre, Bolac, Colac and Tooliorook. The number of eels impacted was very high with 50,000 and 100,000 eels impacted in Lake Modewarre and Lake Tooliorook respectively. EPA commenced an investigation into the cause of the deaths.

Given the wide range of factors that could have contributed to the deaths, EPA convened the Eel Death Investigation Reference Group (EDIRG) to overview the investigation. The EDIRG, chaired by Christine Forster, included representatives from Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Deakin University, Chief Veterinary Office, Environment Victoria and a local eel fisher.

EDIRG have endorsed a report prepared by EPA – EPA Publication 1114 - Findings of western Victorian lakes eel death investigation 2004–06 (Adobe PDF file, 1710KB) – that presents the findings of the investigation up until November 2006.

The report concludes that ongoing drought conditions are the most likely cause of the eel deaths as the lakes have gradually dried out. The report recommended some further work be undertaken, which was completed during the 2006/2007 summer. This work will be reported on following analysis of the data.

Eels have a complex life cycle, which includes periods of time in freshwater and spawning in the Coral Sea. To better understand the life cycle of the eel, and whether this could be a contributing factor in the eel deaths, EPA contracted an expert, Lachlan McKinnon to investigate the subject, resulting in A Review of Eel Biology: Knowledge and Gaps. (Adobe PDF file, 593KB)

Based on the hypothesis that drought was a cause in the eel deaths, EPA undertook a further study to review the historical records of any recorded eel deaths – EPA Publication 1108 - A review of historic western Victorian lake conditions in relation to fish deaths. (Adobe PDF file, 713KB)

This review included obtaining anecdotal information from people of the Western District. The findings of the historical review showed that eels had died previously following drought events. The findings also indicated that lakes that have dried out during previous droughts have the ability to recover to become healthy lakes upon the return of normal rainfall.

A summary of EPA Publication 1114 - Findings of western Victorian lakes eel death investigation 2004-06 and EPA Publication 1108 - A review of historic western Victorian lake conditions in relation to fish deaths is presented in an information bulletin, EPA Publication 1070 - Update on western Victorian eel deaths investigation. (Adobe PDF file, 146KB)

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