Beach temporarily closed at Jurien Boat Harbour

Seagrass accumulation at Jurien Boat Harbour is responsible for a deterioration in dissolved oxygen levels in the harbour leading to a fish kill event and a temporary closure of the beach at the facility.

As the facility manager, the Department of Transport (DoT) has acted to temporarily close the beach and recommends people do not swim in the water or consume fish caught in the marina.

Pet owners have also been warned not to allow contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or onshore.

DoT Acting Manager of Coastal Facilities James Holder said local contractors had been engaged to remove dead fish from the beach inside the harbour.

“The Shire of Dandaragan has erected warning signs on the harbour beach, and in conjunction with the Department of Health is monitoring water quality levels. DoT will continue to maintain a clean shoreline,” Mr Holder said.

DoT implemented a multi-facetted data collection program at the harbour in 2014 and the results are being used in detailed modelling to determine achievable long-term strategies to address environmental issues at the facility.

Environmental approvals are in progress for harbour dredging with works expected in 2020.

Further information about the project is available from the DoT website.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au