Unknown illness affecting kanakana in Mataura River
Posted on Friday, 30 September 2011 03:00 p.m.
Hundreds of kanakana in the lower Mataura River appear to be affected by an unknown illness, raising concern that the fish are not currently suitable for human consumption.
The fish appear to have red coloured fins and red contusions on their bodies. The illness was striking and appeared to be widespread in the migrating population. Rewi Anglem, kaumatua and chairman of the Hokonui Runanga, first noticed the issue and had not seen anything like it before.
Reports of a kanakana die off about two weeks ago were received by Environment Southland, but samples couldn’t be collected at that time. Aquatic Scientist Andy Hicks says “Fresh samples were collected yesterday and these have been sent to MAF to test for pathogens. We don’t know what has caused these contusions, it could be a pathogen, it could be related to contaminants in the water, it could be that the contusions are from scrapes or other predators.”
Andy says the concern now is for those consuming these fish from the lower Mataura. The public are advised not to consume kanakana that do not appear to be completely healthy.
Andy is also keen to hear other reports of fish with these kinds of marks. “If anyone notices similar marks on kanakana or other fish caught from this area we would ask that they put the sample in a plastic bag, wrap in paper, chill/ice, and give us a call. Do not freeze the samples”
There have been no obvious changes in the river conditions or predator numbers and there are no problems reported from the Waikawa River, another major kanakana harvesting area. Public Health South has been advised.
Further information on the safety of recreational fish can be found at www.foodsmart.govt.nz/elibrary/food_safety_seafood.pdf
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.