Several fish kills have been reported on lakes inundated by the rising Mississippi River and its tributaries, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks reported today (May 25).
“We have received reports from several conservation officers that fish kills have started in some of the flooded areas.” MDWFP’s Director of Fisheries Programs Ron Garavelli said.
The rising Mississippi River has redistributed debris, soils, chemicals, fuel, and other materials into lakes and rivers, to which state officials attribute the kills.
Past disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Rita also caused illustrated fish kills after flooding.
Collaborative effort between the MDWFP and other state and federal agencies will be made to evaluate the affects of the 2011 flood on fisheries throughout the flooded waters.
The affected fisheries will be restocked as fish become available from statewide fish hatcheries, although MDWFP said it could take these lakes several years to recover from such a disaster.
To report a Fish Kill on public waters, call the 24-hour Mississippi Emergency Management Agency line at 800.222.6362. Reports also can be made to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality at 601.961,5701 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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