Thousands of fish die in New South Wales flooding

Thousands of fish have died in the Richmond River at Ballina, New South Wales, following flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Reports indicate that eels and crabs are also fleeing the affected waters due to poor conditions. The flooding caused a "blackwater" event, where decomposing organic matter depleted oxygen levels in the water. Current oxygen levels are at 0.4 mg per liter, far below the healthy threshold of 5 mg per liter. OzFish, a fish habitat charity, noted that similar fish kills occurred after severe flooding in 2022. The organization emphasizes the need for action to restore swamplands to help prevent future blackwater events.