Keuka lake residents collect and bury hundreds, “they smell terribly”
By Andrew Harris
QKA Lakers are sounding off on social media about dead fish, and in large quantities, washing ashore. These apparently are good size fish, with large numbers of smallmouth bass according to Monica Margosiak Malfitano, who posted the picture above on the I Love Keuka Lake Facebook page with this context:
“Anyone seeing dead fish on the shore? In the last 24 hours – we had around 12!? Not a fisherperson, but they all looked around the same size, 10-12 inches and same type of fish. Also, they are either bloated or fat. They also smell terribly, worse than others.”
Some of Monica’s fellow Keuka Lake residents postulated that the cause was due to a sudden spike in water temperature.
Joshua Corbett chimed in and made a logical comment:
“The temperature caused the water columns to “flip”. The water rising to the surface rapidly releases oxygen out of the water killing fish. Larger shallow water fish are hit first because the smaller ones need less oxygen. This explains why they are all roughly the same size.”
A municipal employee reported collecting dozens of dead fish off the shores of Red Jacket Park, a jet ski rider said that “they are all over the lake,” and several have notified the NYS DEC.
One lake lover was quite concerned over the situation and hopes that authorities are ensuring the lake is safe:
Tina Fenton said,
“This sounds like a serious situation How safe is it to swim if all the fish are dying What is really going on ? DEC please investigate”
What have you noticed in your Keuka daily life or adventures? Have a theory? Visit us on our Facebook Page and join that discussion!!
