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News and Events
Great Flood of 2011 floodwaters prompt fish kills
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Jackson – The rising water levels of the Mississippi River and its tributaries has redistributed debris, soils, chemicals, fuel, and other materials into lakes and rivers in the flooded areas of the state.
These materials have initiated fish kills in several lakes that were inundated with flood water. “We have received reports from several conservation officers that fish kills have started in some of the flooded areas.” stated Ron Garavelli, Director of Fisheries Programs. These kills are expected to continue throughout the flooded areas as the water recedes. Past disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Rita have illustrated the fish kills occurring after flooding.
Collaborative effort between the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and other state and federal agencies will be made to evaluate the affects of the 2011 flood on fisheries throughout the flooded waters.
The affected fisheries will be restocked as fish become available from statewide fish hatcheries. It may take these lakes several years to recover from such a disaster.
To report a Fish Kill on public waters in Mississippi call Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality 601- 961-5701 (M-F, 8am – 5pm) or Mississippi Emergency Management Agency 1-800-222-6362 (24hr).
For more information about the flood other programs and events visit the MDWFP website at http://home.mdwfp.com