The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued its annual reminder that there is no need to panic if you find dead fish in local waterways. Fish kills are common during the spring thaw.
Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division Research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”
If you suspect that there is another reason for a die-off of fish, of course, give the DNR a call, but most of the time, finding a dead fish, turtle, frog, toad, or crayfish is more a part of the circle of life in Michigan than it is an environmental concern.
Shallow water with excess aquatic vegetation and soft bottoms tend to lead to fish kill. Sometimes the dead aquatic life is not noticed until spring when things thaw out and become more visible.
For more information on fish kills in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. The public is welcome to report fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to non-natural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
