Utah authorities have launched an investigation after hundreds of dead fish were found floating in Cove Pond in Salt Lake County on Monday, Fox News reported.
The discovery sparked a response from local wildlife biologists, including the Utah Wildlife Resources Agency. Confirmed According to Fox News Digital, about 500 fish, mostly catfish, but also bluegills and green sunfish, were found dead. Initial tests by biologists indicate that the mass deaths were likely caused by “deadly low” dissolved oxygen levels in the pond. Further investigation is being conducted by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and local authorities.
Hundreds of dead fish found in pond leave officials confused: “still investigating” https://t.co/nxAeWiD2sG
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“The circumstances that contributed to the low dissolved oxygen levels and other possible contributing factors are currently under investigation by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and local authorities,” a spokesperson told Fox News. “The pond is currently closed to fishing while the incident is under investigation.” (Related article: Mitch McConnell's sister-in-law dies in pond, criminal investigation underway)
Officials also recommended that, as a health precaution, people not eat any of the fish in Cove Pond, especially those caught around June 24. The Wildlife Resources Agency, which regularly stocks the pond with trout and catfish, has suspended stocking the pond with fish until an investigation is completed and the environment is deemed stable.
“It may be some time before fish are repopulated in the pond, so we encourage anglers to fish in other waters until further notice,” the spokesperson continued, according to Fox News.