December 2006
An area of tidal flats on the northern side of Port River known
as the Section Bank was closed to fishing by the Fisheries Division
of the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA)
on 12 April 2006 on advice from the Department of Health because
of elevated levels of E. coli in mud cockles (Katelysia spp).
E. coli is a type of bacteria that indicates faecal contamination
in water and food. E. coli results of the cockle analyses
were above relevant food standards.
Currently the Section Bank is closed until 31 December 2006.
Ongoing monitoring being undertaken by PIRSA has indicated recent
reductions in E. coli levels in the cockles. Pending further
good results in samples collected in early January 2007, it is
anticipated that Section Bank will be reopened for cockling in
the week following the sampling.
Considerable scientific work has been undertaken by two Government
Agencies (PIRSA,
and the EPA) prior to and since the closure of Section Bank.
These studies suggest that the bacteria are unlikely to be from
the Bolivar treatment plant, discharges from vessels, dredging
or sewerage from private dwellings, although none of these possibilities
have been ruled out completely.
Rather, the evidence strongly suggests that the source of the
bacteria is from animals or birds in the region. Further work
is being undertaken to confirm the pollution source and seasonal
patterns.
For information about the status of the cockles and the long-term
status of the fishery, please contact the Fisheries Division of
the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA).
For human health concerns, please contact the Department
of Health.
For further information regarding water quality, please contact
Mr David Duncan at the Environment Protection Authority (ph 8204
2094; email david.duncan@epa.sa.gov.au).
