Dying Carp
Finding a few dead fish in the spring is the norm for any lake. Red flags were raised in early June however, when MNR survey crews counted more than 2000 dead carp on Lake Scugog. Samples were immediately sent to the University of Guelph for analysis. Although test results are not yet available, officials speculate the cause of death is not the result of VHS. The culprit is believed to be a virus causing bloody scales and bulging eyes and has affected the carp while vulnerable, due to stress, during their spawn. As group spawners, the potential is always high for contamination between carp. Despite MNR assurance of human and animal safety residents concerned about swimming, pet safety and the smell were urged to collect and bag the fish. The Region of Durham made disposal arrangements and picked up more then four and a half tons of carp at a cost or more than five thousand dollars. Carp die offs such as these are not uncommon and similar reports of dead fish are now being made on Sturgeon Lake, directly connected to Scugog, which has further peaked concern.
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Bass Wishes,
Chris Hockley
Copyright © 2006 Chris Hockley
It is illegal to reproduce or distribute this work in any manner or medium without written permission of the author, Chris Hockley c/o Blitzcreek Pro Fishing 47 Lorne St., Sunderland, Ontario, chris@blitzcreek.com