Mullet could solve Sunshine Coast water pollution
Sun 13 December 2009
Megan McEwan, Bachelor of Journalism
The humble mullet fish may lead the way for healthier waterways on the Sunshine Coast.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) associate Professor in aquaculture and genetics Wayne Knibb is looking into the use of mullet as a sentinel species to clean up local waterways.
The research uses mullet to detect water pollution more efficiently than any other currently practiced methods on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Knibb hopes that by using an animal that lives in the environment, the measure of pollution will be more sensitive than just taking water samples.
“The reason is that mullet will be feeding on the sediment and organic matter, and stay in the area for some time, giving it a better chance to detect pollution,” Mr Knibb said.
The need for this research was apparent in the recently released Waterways Health Report, which stated that the Maroochy River’s rating had dropped from a C to a D.
Samples of fish will be collected from the Noosa and Maroochy rivers, with the research to be carried out on campus at USC.
However, the research is set to travel much further than the campus.
“Our information will be published in the international peer reviewed journals, putting the Sunshine Coast in the international spotlight,” Mr Knibb said.
If the findings are successful, Mr Knibb hopes to hold seminars for local councillors advising them of the best practice in managing and protecting waterways.
Environment portfolio councillor for the Sunshine Coast Keryn Jones said she would encourage Mr Knibb to share his findings with herself and the Healthy Waterways Partnership, who are already working to stop water pollution.
Aquatic life has become endangered as a result of increasing numbers of people opting to live in coastal areas.
“All coastal species are at risk from creeping expansion of our coastal cities,” Mr Knibb said.
“Without proactive management...we could expect to see perpetual declines in the quality of our waterways.”
Cr Jones is concerned regarding the State Government initiative to push forward development plans which would see 15, 000 people living in Palm View and 50, 000 people in Caloundra South within the next 10 years.
Despite his achievements, including risk assessment of transgenic marine organisms, Mr Knibb still holds this project close to his heart.
“The mullet work could reach this level,” Mr Knibb said.
“But for now, it gives me great satisfaction that I am doing something very worthwhile for the environment, our communities, and for the future.”
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