In December 2019, the Xinhua news agency reported on a study of the Sydney desalination plant. Researchers from Southern Cross University and University of New South Wales had monitored fish life for seven years. Around the brine outlet, about 300 metres offshore, fish numbers rose by 279%, and species sought by commercial and recreational fishers by 133%. The plant produced 250 million litres a day and supplied about 15% of the city's drinking water in dry periods.
The report showed that brine discharge did not necessarily harm marine life. Lead researcher Brendan Kelaher said the cause remained unclear, suggesting turbulence from the high-pressure release.
Source: Xinhua