Helping the Helena

Establishing a Baseline for Water Quality Pollutants for Linkages in Fish and Mussel Decline

The ERCMP conducted water quality monitoring along the Helena River during 2013 and 2014 to determine possible linkages between pollutants and fish and mussel decline.

The study detected hydrocarbons within pools of the Middle Helena River, heavy metal contamination within the middle and lower reaches and a prevalence of anionic surfactants throughout the entire system. Sporadic occurrences of herbicides in sediment within the lower Helena River were also detected.

The study was made possible with funding from the State NRM Office and integral assistance from the Department of Water and Swan River Trust. For details of the study including recommendations for management, see the final report which can be downloaded below.

Helping the Helena - Establishing a Baseline for Water Quality Pollutants for Linkages in Fish and Mussel Decline

Helena River Fish and Macroinvertebrate Surveys 2010 and 2011

Fish of the Helena River Catchment