Heat Stressing Some ND Fish

| 7/25/2012

According to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, above average temperatures across the state are stressing fish populations across the state. They say that biologists have documented fish kills in about 12 water bodies across the state.

"Warm days followed by very warm nights are not conducive to maintaining healthy fish populations," said Scott Gangl, fisheries management section leader. "Most fish need cooler water temperatures to thrive in summer, and they are just not getting it even at night. And with continued hot, dry and calm weather conditions forecasted, we expect to experience more fish kills in the next few weeks."

According to the game and Fish Department, some of the more notable water bodies and species that have been impacted include Stump (northern pike), lower James River (pike), Skjermo (yellow perch), Brewer (many species), Hoskins (many species) and Northgate (rainbow trout).

Gangl said fish species accustomed to cooler water, such as rainbow trout and northern pike, have been particularly vulnerable to warm temperatures in some locations. Other species are also affected as conditions degrade into what biologists consider traditional summerkill conditions. Which are caused by high temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen.

Any observed fish mortality should be reported to the Game and Fish Department.

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