Ever caught a flattie with black flesh? Fill in this survey
by DPIPWE 25 Jul 2018 19:42 PDT

Blackened flesh in flathead © DPIPWE
Each year, recreational fishers report catching sand flathead that have areas of blackened flesh, a phenomenon known as melanisation.
IMAS researchers are conducting a survey to gain a greater understanding of:
- where the fish are being caught;
- what is causing the black flesh;
- are there any risks to the flathead; and
- are other species affected.
If you've ever caught a flattie with black flesh, please complete the survey and share your knowledge with IMAS. Previous studies from Tasmania suggest that neither heavy metals nor parasites are causing the melanisation.
Thank you for participating!
Start the survey now here.