THE Department of Fisheries is advising fishers not to catch or consume marron from Grimwade Large Dam, north east of Balingup.
Principal Fish Health Research Scientist Dr Cecile Dang said flesh from marron caught recently in the large dam has been found to have high numbers of cysts. Marron from Grimwade Small Dam did not have cysts.
“The flesh from several marron samples was examined at the department’s Fish Health laboratories yesterday and the cysts appear to be a life stage of an unidentified worm,” Dr Dang said.
“We are attempting to definitively identify the worm species found in the cysts, but that process may take a few weeks and in the meantime we warn fishers not to take or eat any of the marron from the Grimwade Large Dam.
“Further, we would ask fishers in other areas of the Blackwood catchment area to carefully check their marron catches to ensure the flesh does not contain cysts or are infested in any way by this worm parasite.”
The recreational marron fishing season in Western Australia’s South West is due to end at noon on Thursday February 5 and no marron should be taken from any of State’s public waterways after that time.
Dr Dang said at this point the issue appeared to be contained to Grimwade Large Dam, but fishers should carefully examine all marron they capture during the rest of the season.
“As an extra precaution, we also ask anyone who has fished at the Grimwade dams not to use the same fishing gear in another waterway, until the worm can be identified and further advice can be provided,” she said.
“If a worm is found in marron flesh, we recommend that it not be eaten and for the Department of Fisheries to be alerted by calling FishWatch on 1800 815 507.”
FishWatch is a 24/7 reporting line that provides a quick and easy way to report evidence of aquatic diseases (including fish kills), sightings of aquatic pests and suspected illegal fishing activity.
The Department of Fisheries will continue with the process to identify the worm affecting marron in Grimwade Large Dam and also carry out further checks in South West waterways.