Low oxygen levels result in dead fish at Herrin lake

"There's no rhyme or reason for it," Ritter said. "That lake is a good lake, one of the best in the area. But this kind of fish kill has happened in Marion, Du Quoin and many other areas before."

Ritter said the combination of hot weather and low water level from the lack of rain led to a reduced oxygen level for many of the fish.

"What that basically does is suffocate the fish," the mayor said. "Another problem might be that we had too many fish in the lake, which took away from the oxygen level, too."

Ritter said Pine Lakes Golf Course owner Phil Preston contacted the city about the problem last Friday. The mayor dispatched some city workers to help with the cleanup. Preston refused comment on Monday.

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Latest Industry News

•   Fish Farm Re-Stocks the Sea
•   X Marks the Crab Spot
•   Neptune Industries Acquires Aqua Sphere
•   Fish Vaccine Adjuvant Development
•   Government Movers to Help Rock Lobster Industry
•   Fish Farms Planned for Karoo
•   Oysters and Clams for Mosquito Region
•   Survival of Shrimp Aquaculture
•   Kioetech Opens Office In China
•   Campaigners Call for Contained Salmon Farms