Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
According to Madison City Manager Jerome Wyche, several citizens have been concerned with a large number of fish dying in Lake Francis. Wyche reported that on Saturday, June 15, the City was alerted of the fish dying in the lake. Wyche stated that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified.
According to the FWC, there are several factors that can contribute to a large number of fish dying (fish kills) within a body of water. Among these possible factors are: high temperatures, disease, sewage spills, harmful algae blooms (such as “red tide”), low oxygen levels and more.
An FWC publication, “Understanding Fish Kills in Florida Freshwater Systems,” states that “The periodic depletion of dissolved oxygen in a lake or waterbody is by far the most common cause of fish kills in Florida.” The oxygen level in water bodies can be affected by a numbers of factors, such as temperature, the amount of available sunlight, the number of plants and animals living in the water and more. “The fish kills are due to the continuous and intense heat that our region has been experiencing,” said Wyche.
Anyone wishing more information about fish kills and the possible causes, or to report a suspected fish kill situation, please visit https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/causes/. Citizens may also call the FWC at (800) 636-0511.