06-30-2010, 03:10 PM
Tests Determine Fish Killed by Naturally Occurring Bacteria
Harrisburg - The departments of Environmental Protection and Health, and the Fish and Boat Commission have lifted the "Do Not Eat" consumption advisory for all species of fish taken from Pymatuning Reservoir and Tamarack Lake in Crawford County.
Fish tissue samples tested by the Fish and Boat Commission and Cornell University determined the large fish kills in both lakes were the result of a Columnaris outbreak. Columnaris is a naturally occurring bacterium that was triggered by several stressors, including rapidly warming waters during the spawning season.
The commonwealth's Interagency Fish Consumption Advisory Technical Workgroup verified the findings.
DEP also tested water quality and fish tissue samples. The preliminary results show no contaminants of concern for persons who consume fish from the lakes or for downstream water supplies.
Media contacts:
Tom Rathbun, DEP; 717-787-1323
Eric Levis, Fish & Boat; 717-705-7806<br />
Terry Brady, DCNR; 717- 877-6315
Harrisburg - The departments of Environmental Protection and Health, and the Fish and Boat Commission have lifted the "Do Not Eat" consumption advisory for all species of fish taken from Pymatuning Reservoir and Tamarack Lake in Crawford County.
Fish tissue samples tested by the Fish and Boat Commission and Cornell University determined the large fish kills in both lakes were the result of a Columnaris outbreak. Columnaris is a naturally occurring bacterium that was triggered by several stressors, including rapidly warming waters during the spawning season.
The commonwealth's Interagency Fish Consumption Advisory Technical Workgroup verified the findings.
DEP also tested water quality and fish tissue samples. The preliminary results show no contaminants of concern for persons who consume fish from the lakes or for downstream water supplies.
Media contacts:
Tom Rathbun, DEP; 717-787-1323
Eric Levis, Fish & Boat; 717-705-7806<br />
Terry Brady, DCNR; 717- 877-6315