LAKEPORT >> Although a number of Lakeport residents have reported seeing dead fish along the shoreline, the die off seems to be over. According to initial Department of Fish and Wildlife reports, the cause was natural.
One area where up to a 100 dead fish have been observed is Rumsey Bay, located next to the Skylark Motel. The dead fish consist mostly of young largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and hitch.
The fish range in size from a few inches in length to 12 inches.
Authorities believe the die-off is due to a lack of oxygen. Fish die offs are common occurrences in Clear Lake during hot summer months. Rumsey Bay is a shallow bay and the recent 100-plus-degree hot weather has resulted in a depletion of dissolved oxygen.
Dissolved oxygen consists of oxygen molecules that enter the water through wave action and other water movement. A fish will inhale water through its mouth and as the water passes over the gills the oxygen molecules are extracted from the water and passed to the blood of the fish, similar to what occurs in the lungs of mammals.
Dissolved oxygen levels are measured on a scale of zero to 20. Bass and crappie require a dissolved oxygen level of at least 3 with 5 or above being the optimum. When the level falls below 3 the fish has swim out of the area to survive.
Adult fish will normally leave the area and seek deeper oxygen rich water, whereas juvenile fish will often stay and die.
The fish die-off in Rumsey Bay appears to be over as there were no fresh fish kills observed on Monday. Fish and Wildlife have taken dead fish samples and sent them to their laboratory to be tested.
