On July 4, DNREC responded to reports of a fish kill in Rehoboth Beach’s Silver Lake that initially involved an estimated 1,500 gizzard shad 2 to 4 inches long along with 800 white perch the same size, plus a few bluegills and a largemouth bass.
By the following day, biologists observed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 dead gizzard shad, 600 adult white perch, adult bluegills, and largemouth bass.
Surface water testing on both days by fisheries biologists indicated that dissolved oxygen levels in the water were low enough in Silver Lake, freshwater impoundment, to be lethal for fish.
Anyone observing an unusual number of dead or dying fish in Delaware ponds, rivers or other waterways are encouraged to report their observations, including an estimate of how many fish are involved, and, if known, the species of fish.
To report a suspected fish kill, please call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and DNREC’s citizen complaint hotline at 1-800-662-8802 after hours and on weekends.
source: DNREC
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