8/17/2007

Fish Kill Reported at Memphis Lake - Tom Keith

LINCOLN, Neb. – Memphis Lake near Memphis recently experienced a fish kill due to low oxygen levels that effected mostly bluegill and channel catfish, according to Jeff Jackson, a district manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Fisheries Division.

Jackson said the low oxygen levels resulted when a recent storm dislodged aquatic vegetation, which removed a considerable amount of oxygen from the water as it decomposed. Although there were a considerable number of dead fish, by Aug. 13 it had affected only a small percentage of the population.

Fishing should return to normal as oxygen levels improve over the next several weeks, according to Jackson.