Algae in water after fish kill
A southern stingray swims near shore on Vanderbilt Beach in Naples. After sea life began washing ashore Monday in Collier County, officials took water samples.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 1:00 a.m.
Staff and Wire Report
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released early results of water samples taken in the area where sea life began washing ashore Monday in northern Collier County, including sharks, lobster, crab and a variety of fish.
Samples of water taken along the coast contained two types of algae: Takayama tuberculata, a species related to one that emits toxins, and a non-toxic bloom of Hemiaulus.
Dissolved oxygen in the water was low enough to cause a fish kill, but it is unclear whether the fish died offshore or in the coastal waters, said Carli Segelson, a spokesperson for the research branch of the FWC.
Algae and dissolved oxygen results were complete for only six of 10 water samples taken. Segelson said it is also uncertain whether the fish kill was expected to impact beaches other than north Collier's.
Results from other tests are pending. Tests for toxins in the water will be complete by next week at the earliest. A number of dead fish washed ashore Monday and more will likely wash up in the next several days.
A dead zone in the Gulf waters was suspected of causing the fish to die.
0 comments:
Post a Comment