The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating an incident of fish mortalities in the Milton area.
The report of dead fish was called into the toll-free Environmental Emergency Response number Friday morning. Spokesperson George Somers of the Water Resources Division said the area affected is a tributary of the North River located north of Route 2 in Milton.
"During the initial stage of the investigation Friday, investigators observed approximately 200 dead fish over a 3.5-kilometre section of the stream," Somers said, adding that they were mostly brook trout and some sticklebacks.
Somers said investigators have determined that the water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings were within the normal range for this time of year.
"We do not know the cause of death at this point. Water and sediment samples, and dead fish have been sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. That is expected to take two to three weeks," Somers said.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing to investigate the incident in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.