Fisheries confirm dead fish was groper

PORT DOUGLAS

Last updated: 21/12/2017, 10:05:00 (AEST)

The dead Queensland groper is removed from the Port Douglas marina yesterday. IMAGE: Supplied.

THE dead fish retrieved from the Port Douglas marina yesterday was a Queensland groper, it has been confirmed.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said samples of the large two-metre carcass had been sent to Brisbane for testing to determine the cause of death.

“The cause of the groper’s death is unknown at this stage,” the spokesperson told Newsport.

“The timeframe for testing is approximately two to four weeks.”

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers received a call from marina yesterday morning alerting them of the discovery.

There are concerns the dead fish could be the famous George the Groper, which was hand fed at the former On The Inlet’s waterfront location on Inlet Street. The daily feeding was hugely popular with tourists.

The venue closed on October 29 and has since moved to Wharf Street due to the awaiting development of the Port Douglas marina.