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With ice now off Minneapolis lakes, the effects
of a hard winter can be seen in winter fish kill numbers. Winter fish kill is a
normal, natural occurrence in Minnesota lakes and Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff are monitoring lakes and cleaning up fish at
several lakes in the city. While fish kills are common in the metro area lakes,
they are particularly visible in Minneapolis
where most lakes feature walking paths around the lakes that attract millions
of visitors each year.
Winter kill occurs
in shallow lakes when the ice and snow prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic
plants which reduces oxygen levels in the water and causes some or all of the
fish to die. Different species of fish have varying tolerances for low oxygen
levels.
This spring, MPRB staff
is finding evidence of winter kill and a loss of some fish at Diamond Lake.
Other small, shallow lakes such as Grass Lake, Lake Hiawatha, Lake of the
Isles, Loring Pond and Powderhorn Lake may also be impacted.
More information on
winter fish kills in metro lakes and fish stocking can be found on the DNR website, www.dnr.state.mn.us.
Any fish kill sightings can be reported to the MPRB at 612-230-6400.
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