An unidentified substance in a Ramsgate creek has killed hundreds of fish and crabs.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating a large fish kill at Tonbridge Street Reserve at Ramsgate.
They were notified earlier today by residents after they saw hundreds of fish floating in the creek.
Officers from Sydney Water, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Rockdale Council, Department of Primary Industries and NSW Police are investigating
A EPA spokeswoman said thousands of fish of varying sizes and species were being affected including a number of crabs.
‘’The initial site inspection identified a milky white substance in the water,’’ she said.
‘’The substance is believed to have contributed to a significant decrease in oxygen levels in the water and is at this staged believed to be the primary cause of the fish deaths.
‘’EPA officers have taken water and fish samples for testing, results won’t be known for a few days.’’
A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokeswoman said most of the dead fish were mostly juvenile mullet as well as a few larger mullet.
Council staff have began pumping fresh water into the creek to try and flush the pollutants out as well as encourage more oxygen in the water.
Creek water is running out into Botany Bay causing a small discolouration and some dead fish floating from the creek.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.
