Increased Fish Kills May Be Common

The Department of Natural Resources says after the heavy ice and snow cover experienced on Upper Peninsula lakes this winter and spring, it may be common for there to be a higher than average number of dead fish or other aquatic creatures in area bodies of water. Officials say much of the U.P. saw very deep ice and snow that blocked the sun from the aquatic plants, so the so-called winterkill may be particularly common this year in shallow lakes, streams and ponds. The higher number of dead fish, frogs, toads, and turtles are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality. The process occurs during especially long, harsh winters – similar to the one experienced this year.