A fish kill was discovered early on Sunday September 16. This was likely caused by a lack of oxygen needed for the fish living in the waterbody. An algae treatment was conducted early last week in order to regain control of unwanted algae growth in the pond. When algae dies off, bacteria in the pond break down the organic material. This bacteria in the pond grows rapidly to quickly consume the dead algae tissue. The bacteria respire and this requires an oxygen demand on the pond. Following the treatment our weather has been cloudy and rainy which makes it difficult for the oxygen to rebound in the water, due to a lack of photosynthesis. This time of year the water temperatures are at their highest and the warmer the water the less oxygen can be contained in the water column. These three parameters converging has put a lot of stress on the pond and the oxygen levels have likely dropped below the threshold limits for some of the fish living in the waterbody.
Kyle Finerfrock
Environmental Scientist
Regional Leader
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