Department Investigating Fish Mortalities

The Department of Environment and Energy is investigating an incident of fish mortalities discovered Friday.

Spokesperson Rosanne MacFarlane, freshwater fisheries biologist, said the department received a report from a local angler late Friday morning of dead fish at what’s known as Wright’s Pond or Middleton Pond in Middleton. During the initial stage of the investigation Friday, department staff observed several dozen dead fish, including rainbow trout and brook trout. The area affected includes the pond and an estimated 3.5-kilometre section of the Southwest Brook, a tributary of the Dunk River.

Ms. MacFarlane said the condition of the fish indicates that they have been dead a few days.

Investigators have determined that the water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings were within the normal range for this time of year. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected for analysis. Until results of the laboratory analysis are received, Ms. MacFarlane said investigators cannot make any further determination as to the cause of the fish mortalities.

The provincial Department of Environment and Energy is continuing the investigation in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.