Large Chesapeake Bay Fish Kill

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Mid Bay Water
Location: Sandy Point SP

Dear DNR,

Do you know what caused the large fish kill in the bay today. (Jan 1, 2011).

My family and I were walking the beach and marina area at Sandy Point and were taken back by all the dead fish. The kids had lots of ideas for possible causes. We are all curious.

DNR's Response:
Hello Patrick and thank you for the report.

We've been looking into the kill the last week. Here is a summary.

It was first reported December 28 farther south. It involves juvenile spot, about 2 million. The larger spot have mostly moved out of the bay (as they do for winter) and many of the year-olds probably have too. In some winters, the little ones attempt to overwinter in deeper water in the bay if water temperatures are relatively warm in the fall. If a rapid cool down occurs, they are susceptible to massive die-offs due to cold stress. They can only tolerate water down to about 4 or 5 degress Centigrade. December was very cold and water temperatures did drop pretty quickly. We still have some work to do, but this appears to be what has happened. These sort of winter die-offs have occurred in the past with spot. In 1976, about 15 million died. Another die-off was recorded in 1980.

We're working on a press release that should be pretty informative. I encourage you to check the web or news later.

Regards,
Chris Luckett
Maryland Department of the Environment

MDE Press Release regarding fish kill.