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Key findings on mass NSW fish deaths

Mass fish deaths in the Murray Darling were caused by mismanagement of the river by state and federal governments and water agencies, new research says.

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Source: AAP


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NSW's MASS FISH DEATH: KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

* The Lakes were drained by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, which is directed by the state governments. Claims NSW could not have influenced the MDBA's actions are false

* The water level in the Lakes is not being replenished by regular smaller flows

* Irrigation development in the northern Basin is playing a key role in reducing these smaller, regular flows, along with drought and climate change

* The Lakes were drained in 2016-17 at a time when downstream areas did not need water - South Australia was experiencing flooding and all Murray irrigation demand was met

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* There should be an urgent public assessment of how to manage Menindee lakes in a future with less inflows in the small to medium flow range

* All decisions of the Basin Officials Committee should be made public.

Source: A fish kill QandA, released by The Australia Institute


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