Aug. 12, 2009
The Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources have responded to a significant fish kill along a 12-mile stretch of the Black River in Sanilac and St. Clair counties, officials with the departments announced today.
The DEQ is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fish kill, including reviewing an apparent discharge of manure from an agricultural field adjacent to Seymour Creek upstream from the Black River. The DEQ cautioned however that it will need to thoroughly review all possible sources of contamination before making any final determinations as to the cause of the fish kill.
"The damage caused by this incident is not only unfortunate, but completely unacceptable," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "While we cannot undo the damage that has already been done, the DEQ will continue to investigate the cause behind it and hold those responsible for it accountable."
DNR Fisheries Division biologists responded to count and categorize the fish killed. High numbers of various game fish species were killed, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, and rock bass, along with greater redhorse, a rather rare species, especially in southeast Michigan. It is not yet known how the incident will impact the mussel population in the river.
"Many of the fish lost in this incident were larger, older fish," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "This is a significant loss of a very diverse fishery in the Black River."
In 2007, a DNR survey of the river noted there were at least 25 different species of fish in the river. The Black River is this area is noted for its strong fish habitat, consisting of cobble, boulders, gravel and sand.
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