Rainfall could cause low dissolved oxygen, anglers and boaters asked to call in kills.
As Hurricane Isaac makes its way toward landfalls, huge amounts of rainfall are expected. And that could cause turnover of waterways and fish kills throughout the impacted region, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries said today.
And LDWF officials are asking anglers and boaters to report any fish kill by calling 800-422-2511.Fish kills are particularly possible on natural waterbodies surrounded by agricultural lands, as heavy rainfall can erode organic matter and push it into bayous and canals, the LDWF explained. This organic matter can consume high amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water, suffocating aquatic life.
Fish kills may also be caused by the rapid mixing of stratified waters or layers of warm oxygenated water over cooler anoxic water. In some instances, the result will be that the water can no longer support underwater life.
