Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2008
FISH KILL DISCOVERED IN ROCK FALLS
MEDIA CONTACT: Clay Swanson, DNR Mason City Field Office, at (641) 424-4073
ROCK FALLS — The DNR was alerted Monday afternoon of a fish kill in Cerro Gordo County. A number of large dead carp were found in the Shell Rock River, starting in Rock Falls and ending near Rockford.
The fact that the fish were all of the same size and species leads staff to believe that cause of the kill was natural. Often factors such as spawning stress, disease or low oxygen levels can cause fish kills of this type.
DNR staff believes the fish kill occurred on or before last Thursday, as the fish were badly decomposed. People who observe dead fish should call the DNR 24-hour Spill line at (515) 281-8694 as soon as possible. It is important for staff to begin investigating early to determine the cause of the fish kill.
Writer: Cassy Lalan
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