Invasive carp make up 90% of Mississippi River fish die-off
Hundreds of dead fish have washed up along the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois, but wildlife officials say the die-off may benefit the ecosystem. About 90% of the fish found at one Missouri site were invasive silver and bighead carp. Warm temperatures, low water levels and reduced oxygen appear to have caused the deaths.
About 90 percent of dead fish found near Riverside Landing Park in St. Charles County, Missouri, were identified as invasive silver and bighead carp, according to wildlife officials. The die-off is believed to be caused by warm temperatures, low water levels, and reduced oxygen levels, which are particularly harmful to these species, while native fish are more resilient to such conditions.
Dan Zarlenga of the Missouri Department of Conservation explained that the heat increases water temperature, lowers water levels, and decreases oxygen, creating an inhospitable environment for invasive carp. These carp often congregate in shallow waters, where oxygen levels can plummet during hot weather. Silver carp are known for leaping out of the water when disturbed, posing a risk to boaters.
While this die-off may be alarming, officials emphasize that it may ultimately benefit native fish species, which are better adapted to the river's challenging summer conditions. The reduction in invasive carp could mean less competition for resources, potentially allowing native fish to thrive. Moreover, the dead carp will provide a food source for birds and other wildlife along the river.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
