Something smells fishy at Smiths Lake.

Confusion has shrouded the community of Smiths Lake following a rise in the number of dead fish washing ashore.

The occurrence of the fish was identified several weeks ago, with some conflicting reports dating back to November.

It was reported to The Great Lakes Advocate last week the cause of the mass kill was due to a combination of dissolved oxygen and increased water temperatures in the area.

Wallis Smiths Coast Estuary Committee member Kath Cheers has accepted the concept, agreeing with the sentiment and disregarding allegations from the community that a sewage spillage into the lake has caused the kill. 

“Believe me, I wouldn’t be still sitting here,” Kath said in relation to allegations of a sewage spill. 

Kath cited that fish kills have been reported in the lake for decades and the public has not seen the effects until these latest developments.

Marine scientists have reportedly tested the water quality of Smiths Lake in the past and have identified low water levels, a plethora of hot days and strong winds as the cause of the fish kills.

As confusion and anger grows throughout the Smiths Lake community, Kath suggests comments made about the quality of the lake over social media has caused residents to be informed without substance.

Numerous residents have voiced their concern and contradictory opinion on the issue but have felt reluctant to provide their identity over fear of backlash.

One resident believed that the number of dead fish removed from the lake was more then likely 10 tonnes rather then the reported 500 kilograms. 

Other residents have alleged that up to 14 pelicans, two sea eagles, possums, an osprey and an abundance of crabs and octopus have been found dead due to an alleged contamination of the water.

Furthermore, some residents have questioned MidCoast Council as to suspected weed spraying and pesticides around the lake.

A unified outcry but conflicted reports of evidence has suggested the community is confused as to what is happening in the area. 

With the summer holidays bringing visitors to the Forster Tuncurry and Smiths Lake region, these residents believe a lack of notification has resulted in the concern.

One resident feared that a lack of assurance from MidCoast Council and MidCoast Water as to the safety of the water could leave visitors distressed and fail to return to the region in the future.

A recent sewage blockage in Eagle Nest Parade in Smiths Lake was partly blamed for a build up of household wipes in the drainage system.

With some residents claiming this incident had some correlation to the sewage system allegedly spilling into the lake and causing a related smell, a spokesperson from MidCoast Water has assured this issue is unrelated to the fish kill in Smiths Lake.

Fish and water samples from Smiths Lake have been sent to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in Camden. 

The Department of Primary Industries is still conducting an investigation into the fish kill and are still correlating samples from the lake.

The DPI said they are assisting MidCoast Council to continue the removal of dead fish.

A spokesperson from the DPI said people are advised to avoid fishing in the lake as a precaution until further testing is undertaken in regards to a determination of the cause of the fish kill and any potential risk to humans.