Iowa DNR
Environmental Services Division

July 12, 2003

FISHKILLS INVESTIGATED IN NORTHWEST IOWA

DES MOINES - Two separate fish kills, one on the Big Sioux River in Plymouth
and Sioux Counties and at a pond at the Fonda city park in Pocahontas County
are being investigated.

At least eight miles of stream below Westfield appear to have a substantial
fish kill. Thousands of fish including dead drum, carp, white suckers,
channel catfish, sauger and at least one shovel nose sturgeon have been
found so far. DNR officials followed the kill eight miles down stream
finding dead fish along the entire way, but were unable to investigate any
further on Friday afternoon because water conditions didn't allow further
navigation by boat.

Ammonia levels were low and oxygen levels were adequate. The fish appeared
to have been dead two to three days. DNR officials are still investigating a
potential cause of the kill.

The fish kill at the Fonda park is believed to have been weather related.
There was no dissolved oxygen in the pond. The kill included sunfish,
catfish, carp and bullheads.

For more information, contact Kevin Baskins at (515) 281-8395.

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