(image: MN DNR)
A stretch of 90-degree days in mid-July led to a surge in fish mortality events across Minnesota.
DNR Fish Health Supervisor Isaiah Tolo says they received 65 reports in just four days, with northern pike among the species most affected…
“…they do really well in those cold temperatures and that’s just where they’re kind of adapted. Once we see temperatures exceeding 84 degrees for these cool water fish, we start to see stress in those fish and we can start to see mortality if they can’t find thermal refuges in whatever lake or river they’re living in.”
He says the reports can also reflect broader issues with lake health and habitat conditions…
“Fish mortality events are a good reminder that water quality is impaired in certain water bodies in Minnesota, and that reflects in the fish habitat that’s available for the species that we really care about here. So it’s something to keep note of.”
Residents can look up water quality information for their local lakes through the state’s LakeFinder website and report fish mortality events directly to the DNR.
(content: in part, courtesy, MNN)
