image linking to 100 Top Bass Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Saltwater Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Fly Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Walleye Sites image linking to 100 Top Small Game Sites image linking to 100 Top Birds and Waterfowl Sites
* * * IMPORTANT NOTICE * * *
You are currently viewing the old OUTDOOR CENTRAL.COM website ARCHIVES.  For the latest in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation related news, and an ALL NEW experience, including user friendly navigation, search capabilities, an Outdoor Central Video Network, and more, be sure to visit our NEW WEBSITE, located at http://www.outdoorcentral.com.    Visit the new, improved website, you'll be glad you did!  CLICK HERE
 

Pesticide suspected to be cause of Clear Lake fish kill (2005-08-02)

Results of an investigation by the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) into a fish kill in Clear Lake at Waseca have determined that a pesticide used to kill mosquitoes, which is highly toxic to fish, was present in water samples taken following the incident.

An estimated 100,000 to 300,000 adult black crappies died suddenly in late June.

"Permethrin, a pesticide used to kill mosquitoes, was detected in two of three water samples taken from Clear Lake," according to John Peckham, supervisor of the MDA agricultural chemical investigation unit.

Permethrin was applied to a substantial part of the urban Clear Lake watershed on June 19 and June 20, approximately two days before the fish kill was first reported.

A significant rainfall event that occurred approximately 12 hours after the permethrin application took place is suspected of causing the pesticide to wash into Clear Lake.

"The next step," Peckham said, "is for the MDA to review its investigation and the DNR's investigation and make a final determination as to whether any state or federal pesticide laws were violated. It is unclear at this point whether it can be documented by the MDA that there is a direct cause-and-effect link between a violation of state or federal pesticide law, the mosquito control application and the black crappie kill in Clear Lake."

The DNR pathology analysis turned up no evidence of other possible causes of death for the fish, according to DNR Pathologist Joe Marcino. "There was no indication of any viral or bacterial pathogen that could have caused the observed mortality. The tissue damage, consisting of substantial damage to the gill filaments, accompanied by hemorrhaging of internal organs, was present in all specimens examined. Damage as observed is consistent with the effect of a chemical toxin."

Hugh Valiant, Waterville area fisheries supervisor, said "Even after losing large numbers of adult black crappies, our fish population assessment done during the week of July 18 sampled black crappies, along with other fish species of high recreational value. Prospects for angling in Clear Lake remain good."

The spraying was done by Professional Mosquito Control of Clearwater.

 

 

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page

<%server.execute "/bottom.asp"%>