Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan reported today that his department is investigating three incidents of fish mortalities discovered Tuesday and Wednesday.
The department received a call Wednesday of dead fish in a pond in the east branch of the Westmoreland River in Westmoreland. Investigators who responded to the call observed 30 dead fish in and below the pond.
"An environmental response team was sent to the site Wednesday afternoon. As part of the investigation, they will be taking water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings and collecting water, soil and fish samples to be sent for analysis," said Minister Gillan.
Meanwhile, environment officials collected approximately 200 dead fish from an incident in the west branch of the Westmoreland River in the Crapaud area. That incident was discovered Tuesday. Investigators collected water and sediment samples, as well as dead fish to be sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis.
Another incident was reported Tuesday afternoon in the east branch of the Tryon River between North Tryon and Gamble's Corner. Investigators collected 33 dead fish over the last two days but were having difficulty determining the extent of the situation because of poor water clarity.
"Investigators will continue to check on the site, and once the stream clears they will be able to get a better assessment of the situation," said Minister Gillan.
Water and sediment samples and dead fish were collected from the Tryon River site Tuesday to be sent for analysis. In both incidents reported Tuesday, water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels were normal for this time of year.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating the three incidents of fish mortalities in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.