Mississippi DWFP Investigate Deer Creek Fish Kill
OutdoorHub 07.20.11
Jackson -Due to a lack of rainfall, drought conditions have resulted in low stream flow levels in many Mississippi streams. Low water conditions reduce the amount of habitat available for aquatic life to use resulting in fish concentration in smaller areas. The reduced water volume and crowding of fish can cause very low oxygen levels which can cause a fish kill.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) was notified on July 13, 2011 of a fish kill in Deer Creek near Hollandale. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has the responsibility to investigate the causes of fish kills in public waters and to determine the value of fish killed. The MDEQ was informed of this fish kill on July 13, 2011 by the MDWFP. Fisheries Biologists from the MDWFP were dispatched to the site on July 14, 2011 and found that Deer Creek was almost dry for a distance of 6-7 miles from Hollandale to Arcola. Dead largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and gizzard shad were found in this stream section. The cause of fish kill has not been determined yet.
The public can notify the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality of fish kills in public waters by calling 601-961-5701 or 1-800-222-6362.
