Larry Harp
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ODWC News Release (3/27/04):
Second Lake Texoma Fish Kill Linked to Golden Algae...
State fisheries biologists from Oklahoma and Texas are working together to investigate a fish kill in the FIVE-MILE area between Cedar Mills and Loe's Highport Marina on Lake Texoma. Dead fish have also been observed in Big Mineral and Buncombe Creek arms of the lake. Biologists have confirmed that golden algae is to blame.
Initial estimates place the loss at upwards of one half million fish, based on fisheries surveys conducted along the Big Mineral Arm of the reservoir March 12. Threadfin shad comprised the vast majority of the kill, but some LARGEMOUTH BASS, crappie and bluegill were also affected. Fisheries biologists had been monitoring the reservoir for possible spread of the algae since a golden alga-caused fish kill occurred in the Lebanon pool in January.
Since 2001, golden alga fish kills have occurred on 23 reservoirs in Texas and has been linked to fish kills in North Carolina, South Carolina and New Mexico. Lake Texoma is the first reported finding in the Red River basin downstream of Lake Kemp, near Wichita Falls, TX.
Golden algal blooms typically occur in winter months but may persist through the summer. This alga (Prymnesium parvum) is native to estuarine habitats but it is not known if it is a native or exotic species to inland waters.
Second Lake Texoma Fish Kill Linked to Golden Algae...
State fisheries biologists from Oklahoma and Texas are working together to investigate a fish kill in the FIVE-MILE area between Cedar Mills and Loe's Highport Marina on Lake Texoma. Dead fish have also been observed in Big Mineral and Buncombe Creek arms of the lake. Biologists have confirmed that golden algae is to blame.
Initial estimates place the loss at upwards of one half million fish, based on fisheries surveys conducted along the Big Mineral Arm of the reservoir March 12. Threadfin shad comprised the vast majority of the kill, but some LARGEMOUTH BASS, crappie and bluegill were also affected. Fisheries biologists had been monitoring the reservoir for possible spread of the algae since a golden alga-caused fish kill occurred in the Lebanon pool in January.
Since 2001, golden alga fish kills have occurred on 23 reservoirs in Texas and has been linked to fish kills in North Carolina, South Carolina and New Mexico. Lake Texoma is the first reported finding in the Red River basin downstream of Lake Kemp, near Wichita Falls, TX.
Golden algal blooms typically occur in winter months but may persist through the summer. This alga (Prymnesium parvum) is native to estuarine habitats but it is not known if it is a native or exotic species to inland waters.
