Missouri Faces Yet Another Unusual Fish Die-Off

There has been yet another massive fish die-off reported in Missouri and investigators are trying to find out why.

I came across this recent update on Facebook from the Missouri Department of Conservation as they say they're investigating another big fish kill - this time at the Route J Reservoir near Monroe City, Missouri. This is not the sight you want to see when you're heading to the lake to fish.

A press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation says that their initial impression is that this is a natural occurrence and there's no reason for alarm.

What killed thousands of fish in the Route J Reservoir?

The Missouri Department of Conservation says "a large algal bloom led to low oxygen levels in the water, causing the death of several thousand fish". The Route J Reservoir isn't the only Missouri waterway affected by a big fish die-off. Lion's Lake in Washington, Missouri had to be closed a couple weeks ago for the same reason.

There are lots of possibilities when it comes to fish kills in Missouri. The ongoing heatwave can make oxygen scarce in some lakes where fish have to choose between water that is too warm and places where there isn't enough oxygen. Large growths of algae like the one blamed for the Route J fish die-off can be the culprit, too.