06-17-2004, 03:21 PM
[blue][size 1]Here's a copy of the article from this morning's Arizona Republic.[/size][/blue]
[size 1] Thousands of Ariz. fish dying
![[Image: clear.gif]](http://www.azcentral.com/images/clear.gif)
[/size][size 1]Algae in Salt River lakes blamed
Judy Nichols
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 17, 2004 12:00 AM
Thousands of fish are dying in several lakes along the Salt River, probably because of increased algae fed by ash runoff from wildfires and warm temperatures.
And in an unrelated situation, officials are also worried about a possible die-off in San Carlos Lake, 15 miles east of Globe, because water levels are only 2.5 percent of capacity and may go even lower.
Although the dead fish in the Salt River lakes may be unsightly, the lakes do not pose a health risk for the public, health officials say.
Still, boaters and anglers should be careful, according to Will Humble, bureau chief for disease control for the state Department of Health Services.
"You should never eat dead fish, but if you catch a fish and it looks healthy, you can cook it and eat it," Humble said. "You should avoid water that looks blue-green or foamy. Don't swim or play in it. You can get an uncomfortable rash.
"And don't let your dog drink the water, or it may get sick."
Campgrounds along the Salt River reservoirs remain open, and Karl Siderits, supervisor for the Tonto National Forest, said plenty of fish remain in the lake for fishing.
The die-offs in the reservoirs were first recorded in Apache Lake in March, Canyon Lake on April 27 and Saguaro Lake on May 5, said Larry Riley, fisheries chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Another die-off was reported at Apache Lake on May 18.
Riley estimated the number of dead fish as being in the thousands. They include shad, which are feeder fish for the larger sport fish, and sport fish including largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and large flathead catfish.
Riley said Game and Fish biologists have been investigating the die-offs with other scientists and experts from the Salt River Project. They have tested the water and the fish for disease and found nothing.
They believe the most likely reason is a strain of toxic blue-green algae, called Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.The algae forms in clumps or bands two to six feet below the surface in slow-moving or still water. It makes the water look green-tinged or foamy.
Riley said the algae, which feeds on nitrogen, might be increasing because of ash runoff from the "Rodeo-Chediski" and "Kinishba" fires in the area and warmer water because of record heat in March. The ash brings nitrogen into the system, and algae flourishes in warmer water.
Although the die-offs have happened over successive months in lower lakes in the Salt River chain, Riley said that may be coincidental. There have been no die-offs in Roosevelt Lake, the lake highest on the river.
Authorities aren't sure if there is a solution.
Killing the algae will release toxins and may kill more fish. Monsoon season, which typically begins in July, could bring more water and a shift in the water balance. [/size]
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[size 1] Thousands of Ariz. fish dying
[/size][size 1]Algae in Salt River lakes blamed Judy Nichols
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 17, 2004 12:00 AM
Thousands of fish are dying in several lakes along the Salt River, probably because of increased algae fed by ash runoff from wildfires and warm temperatures.
And in an unrelated situation, officials are also worried about a possible die-off in San Carlos Lake, 15 miles east of Globe, because water levels are only 2.5 percent of capacity and may go even lower.
Although the dead fish in the Salt River lakes may be unsightly, the lakes do not pose a health risk for the public, health officials say.
Still, boaters and anglers should be careful, according to Will Humble, bureau chief for disease control for the state Department of Health Services.
"You should never eat dead fish, but if you catch a fish and it looks healthy, you can cook it and eat it," Humble said. "You should avoid water that looks blue-green or foamy. Don't swim or play in it. You can get an uncomfortable rash.
"And don't let your dog drink the water, or it may get sick."
Campgrounds along the Salt River reservoirs remain open, and Karl Siderits, supervisor for the Tonto National Forest, said plenty of fish remain in the lake for fishing.
The die-offs in the reservoirs were first recorded in Apache Lake in March, Canyon Lake on April 27 and Saguaro Lake on May 5, said Larry Riley, fisheries chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Another die-off was reported at Apache Lake on May 18.
Riley estimated the number of dead fish as being in the thousands. They include shad, which are feeder fish for the larger sport fish, and sport fish including largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and large flathead catfish.
Riley said Game and Fish biologists have been investigating the die-offs with other scientists and experts from the Salt River Project. They have tested the water and the fish for disease and found nothing.
They believe the most likely reason is a strain of toxic blue-green algae, called Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.The algae forms in clumps or bands two to six feet below the surface in slow-moving or still water. It makes the water look green-tinged or foamy.
Riley said the algae, which feeds on nitrogen, might be increasing because of ash runoff from the "Rodeo-Chediski" and "Kinishba" fires in the area and warmer water because of record heat in March. The ash brings nitrogen into the system, and algae flourishes in warmer water.
Although the die-offs have happened over successive months in lower lakes in the Salt River chain, Riley said that may be coincidental. There have been no die-offs in Roosevelt Lake, the lake highest on the river.
Authorities aren't sure if there is a solution.
Killing the algae will release toxins and may kill more fish. Monsoon season, which typically begins in July, could bring more water and a shift in the water balance. [/size]
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