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Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Things aren't going swimmingly for Carp in local waters.

Things aren't going swimmingly for Carp in local waters.

Large numbers of the dead fish are washing up along the shore of Lake Simcoe and unconfirmed reports say the die off is also starting to affect carp in Lake Couchiching.

A message on the telephone at the Midhurst office of the Ministry of Natural Resources says the department is currently monitoring a die off in Lake Simcoe and offers the following information for those dealing with carcasses.

"For assistance in the removal of dead fish from shoreline please contact a private dead stock removal company who can assist for a cost."

The ministry spokesperson was out of the Midhurst office until July 2.

With calls coming in from residents Mayor Bill Duffy is frustrated with the response.

"The public already know the fish are dying. They want somebody to do something," said Duffy. "

That somebody turns out to be the County of Simcoe. The County is implementing special provisions to help residents removing dead fish from their property.

Fish matter will be accepted free of charge during the die off at the Mara Waste Transfer Station located on County Road 169 during regular hours.

An additional five bags of fish material will also be accepted at curbside on regular scheduled pick up days. Fish must be double bagged and can't weigh more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds). The County is also reminding residents to take precautions when handling the dead fish.

As his level of frustration grows with the MNR and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Duffy is happy with the County's decision.

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"As far as Lake Simcoe (region conservation authority) and the MNR are concerned they have been absolutely no help," said Duffy, noting he'd made several calls Monday and hadn't received satisfactory answers. "I'm very glad the County has stepped up to help us here."

3 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Is anyone talking about a connection to the carp die-off in Lake Scugog last summer? I don't believe they ever figured out what caused that one.

8:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I did see some reference to that die off, there was a specific bacteria to blame, not sure if it's the same one for Simcoe though

12:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Folks,

The Ministry of Natural Resources has posted the cause of the die off on their website (link below) It states that "the carp are being killed by a combination of factors. The carp have become stressed by spawning, rapidly fluctuating water temperature, and disease. Results found in carp tested to date have identified elevated levels of various bacteria and the presence of Koi Herpes virus.

The bacteria identified are found naturally in fresh waters as well as in or on healthy fish. The health units indicate the bacteria pose very little risk to healthy people, and remind people that surface waters always contain bacteria that could infect people who have open wounds or suppressed immune systems.

Koi Herpes Virus is NOT a risk to human health, and the bacteria identified are common to surface waters."

For more information visit their website at: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/2ColumnSubPage/239472.html

Just a reminder about the swimming bit it clearly states that the other bacteria found are common in fresh water lakes and that while the risk to healthy humans is low swimming with open sores or weak immune systems if never recommended.
Interesting times we are in...
Kimberley

3:12 AM  

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