High lead levels were discovered in marine samples during tests around the town of Esperance, Australia in the wake of 4,000 mystery bird deaths earlier this year. The birds had all died convulsing and falling from the skies in a matter of days.

The lead source was found to be lead carbonate exported through the port by a mining company which has ceased sending this product to the town. Fish had been off the menu in the southern town since March 2007 and now its back on the menu again. The Department of Health has given the all-clear to fishing near the Port of Esperance after tests showed generally low lead levels in more than 40 fish caught in the area.