HOOD CANAL, Washington (Oct. 11, 2003) -- A state scuba-diving team exploring southern Hood Canal on Friday found virtually no fish in waters deeper than 20 feet, according to head diver Wayne Palsson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Divers counted 15 species of dead fish -- including about 75 rockfish, which normally reside on the bottom, he said. Thousands of dead fish have been reported over the past three days from Annas Bay to Hoodsport, and experts say they probably suffocated from a lack of oxygen. "There are still quite a few fish around," Palsson said, "but they're crowded around in waters no deeper than 12 feet. From about 20 feet to 70 feet, there are virtually no fish down there." Levels of dissolved oxygen in southern Hood Canal were measured as low as 1.0 milligrams per liter Thursday. Anything below 5 is considered stressful to marine life, and anything below 2 is considered lethal for some species. | | Because of reduced populations of bottom fish, state officials do not intentionally kill fish to figure out their age or to take genetic samples. While this week's fish kill could have serious repercussions for the Hood Canal ecosystem, it gives biologists a chance to collect information unavailable before, Palsson said. The dead fish show no signs of toxic contamination, he said, adding that what the marine creatures really need now is a lot of wind and rain to stir up the waters. Low dissolved oxygen levels have been a problem in Hood Canal for the past several years. The problem is related to the growth of plankton, triggered by excess nutrients in the presence of sunny weather. SOURCE - The Sun Link |
