Fish kills: Know who to call, what you can do to help

Localized fish kills have been reported in the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County.

~ Localized fish kills reported in the Indian River Lagoon ~

PALM BAY, Fla., Nov. 28, 2020 — The St. Johns River Water Management District and other partners have received several reports of localized fish kills in the Indian River Lagoon over the past few days. District staff, along with Brevard County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program and others, are investigating. Preliminary information suggests that low dissolved oxygen concentrations may be the cause. Low oxygen concentrations (below 2 milligrams per liter or 30% saturation) often arise during an algal bloom like the one that has been occurring in the Indian River Lagoon.

Several reports have come from the State Road 528/520 portion of the lagoon. Low oxygen concentrations have been recorded at Titusville and near Cocoa, according to District scientists. Reduced levels of dissolved oxygen in the water stress fish and other species with little tolerance for low levels of dissolved oxygen.

District scientists routinely collect samples of water and algae, and analytical results are provided to other agencies, including the Florida Department of Health, FDEP and FWC. Since 2009, these agencies have operated under a plan that coordinates their responses to potentially harmful algal blooms.

To report an algal bloom, visit the FDEP website, floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom.

Protecting and restoring water quality is a core mission of the District — a key component of this work is water quality monitoring and reporting. Monitoring enables the District to base decisions about resources on accurate and timely information. For example, continuous, sensor-based information on water quality is available online at webapub.sjrwmd.com/agws10/hdswq/.

While the District has partnered with state and local governments to implement dozens of projects that restore water quality and the health of the lagoon, the public also plays a vital role in reducing nutrient pollution, which decreases the likelihood of harmful algal blooms, the possibility that those blooms will reduce levels of oxygen, and the subsequent potential for fish kills. Citizens may wish to collect and dispose of the dead fish found along their waterfront property if it is safe to do so. This will help keep the nutrients in the decomposing fish from being released into the lagoon to fuel algal blooms. For more information on fish kills and to report a fish kill, visit FWC’s website at myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.

To further reduce nutrient pollution, use fertilizers (which contain nutrients) only according to manufacturer directions and avoid using fertilizers just prior to rain. In addition, properly maintain stormwater systems, keep leaves and grass clippings out of storm drains and connect to a central sewer system where possible.