DEP Narrows Down Causes of Fish Kill
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Press Release
For More Information contact Kathy Cosco at 304-926-0440
25 September 2009
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection now believes a
golden algae bloom is linked to a large fish kill on Dunkard Creek, in
northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. DEP staff members
investigating the incident narrowed down the causes of the fish kill
after consulting with algae experts from West Virginia University,
North Carolina and Texas.
The algae found in Dunkard Creek has been tentatively identified as
Prymnesium parvum, commonly called golden algae, which occurs
worldwide, but primarily in coastal waters that have higher salt or
mineral content. The algae produces toxins that can affect
gill-breathing organisms and the most visible result of a fish kill
caused by golden alga is dead and dying fish and mussels of all species
and sizes.
The characteristics of the fish kill are almost identical to what is
seen in other parts of the country that also have had golden algae
kills.
“Narrowing down the cause will allow us and anyone who may be found to
be responsible to find a solution,” said Cabinet Secretary Randy
Huffman. “Some members of our investigation team are now turning their
attention to finding ways to minimize or eliminate the algae bloom. We
are also evaluating what can be done to prevent this from happening in
the future, in Dunkard and other watersheds.”
All available information indicates that golden algae is not known to
cause human health problems, and no immediate harmful effects have been
recorded in mammals and birds observed eating dead and dying fish and
drinking the water in areas with golden algae.
To avoid the possibility of spreading the algae, the DEP requests that
all entities refrain from transporting water from Dunkard Creek to
other watersheds.
“While it appears that saline- and mineral-rich environments are
conducive to the growth of the golden algae in Dunkard Creek, we aren’t
sure if the algae was introduced into the creek or if it just
proliferated due to favorable conditions,” Huffman said. “It could have
been transplanted in a number of ways, including waterfowl, water
transport or even waders of fishermen who have fished in affected
waters in other states.”
While the DEP understands that it may be difficult to determine how the
algae came to be in Dunkard Creek, the agency acknowledges the severity
of the situation and is committed to continue to work with the other
involved agencies to determine the extent of damage and what can be
done to control the problem.