ST. MARYS, Ohio — A combination of high temperatures, no precipitation, and minimal wave action is being blamed for “a significant fish die off” at Grand Lake St Marys State Park, ODNR officials said Wednesday.
Events like these are not uncommon and do not indicate any change in lake health. Low oxygen levels in the lake will persist until weather conditions change. These conditions promote water stagnation throughout the lake, but particularly in the canals, resulting in low oxygen levels that can be lethal to fish.
“Oxygen levels in the lake have been dropping to critical levels incapable of supporting fish during the past few evenings,” Dr. Stephen Jacquemin, Wright State University, said.
Similar fish die offs are often observed in farm ponds when persistent hot, windless, dry weather is followed by strong thunderstorms.
Concerned citizens should not attempt to rescue stressed or dead fish. Report large numbers of dead fish to 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
Cox Media Group
