By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — State officials are monitoring what they call an “extensive silver carp fish die-off” in the Illinois River near Peoria.
The die-off has occurred in what is known as the Peoria pool, a 66-mile stretch of river that begins near Henry and goes to the Peoria Lock and Dam, according to an Illinois Department of Natural Resources statement.
Silver carp are one of four species collectively known as “Asian Carp.” They are invasive species found in Illinois waterways, and normally spawn during periods of rising river levels and increasing water temperatures. Both of these factors are now in place in Central Illinois.
That said, biologists with the DNR believe the die-off is naturally occurring, caused by spawning stress and water chemistry changes from recent rain.
“Spawning requires a significant amount of energy and can place considerable physiological stress on fish,” said IDNR fisheries chief Michael McClelland.
Dead fish are being found flowing downstream in other areas of the river, and people who live in those areas may notice an unpleasant smell from decomposing fish, the statement said.
In the past week, social media has been abuzz with pictures and speculations of why fish are dying. Several people have posted videos and discussed why they thought the fish were dying. Many speculated it was due to a sewer overflow in Peoria.
State officials said they have found no evidence of chemical contamination or pollution in the area. The die-off does not seem to have affected native fish species or other aquatic organisms, the statement said.
It is unknown how many fish have died off at this time.
Anyone who notices a large number of dead fish of the same species in the same area of an Illinois waterway is encouraged to report it to the IDNR at dnr.fisheries@illinois.gov.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
