It might look pretty, but don't drop a line in West of the bridge...

Despite warning signs in several languages, The Department of Primary Industries in NSW are still finding anglers recreationally fishing in the waters West of Sydney Harbour Bridge, which for years have been banned from commercial fishing.

The problem with fish living in this area all started back in the 30’s, from a factory releasing dioxins into Homebush Bay. Union Carbide Australia manufactured herbicides 12m km upstream of the bridge, dumping the waste into the bay and contaminating the sediment layer. It all stopped in the 70’s, but as with many of these environmental disasters, the effects continue well into the future.

Accumulating in the fatty tissues of fish, these Dioxins have been known to cause Cancer, as well as reproductive problems and even interfere with hormones.

Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned but, based on advice from an expert panel, the NSW government recommends that:

- No fish or crustaceans caught west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge should be eaten.

- For fish caught east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, generally no more than 150 grams per month should be consumed, except for species for which specific higher consumption limits have been established (for example, 1,200 grams of sand whiting).

So if you’ve been fishing there, or know someone who is, let them know it’s probably not the best idea!