Politics & Government

Warmer Temps May Reveal Dead Fish

The state is reporting melting ice will likely reveal fish killed by the extreme temperatures.

Residents who live along Lake St. Clair will likely start seeing a number of dead fish that died over the winter due to the extreme temperatures as the ice begins to melt.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reported Friday that with the expected warmer temperatures, and receding ice, residents will begin seeing a large number of gizzard shad that likely died due to the cold winter.

Many of the fish will be found in canals, along the shore and in boat wells.

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Scientists with the DNR said they believe it was the weather, and not disease, that led to the large number of shads that died.

“We’ve collected samples and had them analyzed,” explained DNR fisheries biologist Mike Thomas at the DNR’s Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station in a release. “None of the samples have tested positive for any viral or bacterial disease.”

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The large number of dead shads may affect other fish such as bluegills, largemouth bass, rock bass and carp, the DNR is reporting. As the dead fish decay, dissolved oxygen is used up, which could cause other species to die.

Waterfront residents and business owners will be responsible for removing the fish.

The Department of Environmental Quality has contacted area waste haulers, which will be working with local government to help remove any large quantities of dead fish. The state is also recommending businesses contact their waste haulers about disposal of the dead fish.

“Landowners concerned about small numbers of dead fish can collect them, bag them and dispose of them in the garbage,” Thomas said. “Or, if you have a garden, bury them for organic fertilizer.”

Patch first reported about the fish deaths in January after anglers reported seeing a large number of fish along the shoreline during a warm spell.


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