08-01-2012, 11:10 AM
Numerous fish kills have been reported from around the state recently and the DNR's Fisheries Division staff are tracking and monitoring these events.
The combination of very high water temperatures and drought flow conditions have made conditions very stressful for fish and in many cases, these conditions are beyond lethal temperatures. Additionally, high water temperatures also often result in low oxygen values, particularly where there is a lot of vegetation.
The overall effects of these events on the state's fisheries are often very localized and may not significantly change overall population numbers. However, effects on population numbers are not known at this time and will take some time to fully evaluate.
There are a few things anglers can do to keep fish healthy while out on the water in these high temperatures:
1. Be extra careful when handling and unhooking fish that are to be immediately released. This will keep stress to a minimum.
2. Do not keep fish that you intend to release in live wells for very long.<br />
3. Avoid fishing during the hottest parts of the day. Fishing in the early morning is least stressful for fish and provides the coolest water temperatures.
If you have information regarding a fish kill, please email DNR-FISH-Report-Fish-Kills@michigan.gov. If you suspect a fish kill is caused by non-natural causes, please call your nearest DNR office or Michigan's Pollution Emergency Alert System at 1-800-292-4706.
Want to read more about fish kills and their causes? Check out this informational article online.
The combination of very high water temperatures and drought flow conditions have made conditions very stressful for fish and in many cases, these conditions are beyond lethal temperatures. Additionally, high water temperatures also often result in low oxygen values, particularly where there is a lot of vegetation.
The overall effects of these events on the state's fisheries are often very localized and may not significantly change overall population numbers. However, effects on population numbers are not known at this time and will take some time to fully evaluate.
There are a few things anglers can do to keep fish healthy while out on the water in these high temperatures:
1. Be extra careful when handling and unhooking fish that are to be immediately released. This will keep stress to a minimum.
2. Do not keep fish that you intend to release in live wells for very long.<br />
3. Avoid fishing during the hottest parts of the day. Fishing in the early morning is least stressful for fish and provides the coolest water temperatures.
If you have information regarding a fish kill, please email DNR-FISH-Report-Fish-Kills@michigan.gov. If you suspect a fish kill is caused by non-natural causes, please call your nearest DNR office or Michigan's Pollution Emergency Alert System at 1-800-292-4706.
Want to read more about fish kills and their causes? Check out this informational article online.