Winter weather killing CT fish is normal

Wallingford, Conn (WTNH) - It's happening in a lot of fresh water around Connecticut right now. Dozens of dead fish are turning up, floating on the surface. The DEP says it's a common occurrence after the kind of winter we had.

North Farms Reservoir in Wallingford is very large, but it is also very shallow. It's just six feet deep at most, and that may be a factor in what's happening.

It is a peaceful spot off Route 68 in Wallingford. Lots of swans and ducks paddle around with no particular concerns, but it didn't take long for our cameras to find dead fish including big bass and tiny sunfish.

It was worse just a few days ago. Photos were sent to us by Nick Santillo, who found dozens of dead fish piled up in the reservoir.

"I haven't seen any. I haven't really been out on the pond, but I haven't seen any dead fish," said Chris Holcomb from Wallingford.

Holcomb lives right on the reservoir banks and says he hasn't noticed a large number, but he's not surprised.

"It gets weedy in the summer, real weedy, and low oxygen, but I've never seen a lot of dead fish," Holcomb said.

Fish kills can be caused by a variety of things including drought, algae, or an infectious parasite. Usually, it's a simple lack of oxygen.

The state DEP tells us it's still under investigation, but during winter, snow and ice cover the plants that provide the oxygen the fish need, especially during a winter this bad, and in a body of water this shallow.

The DEP stresses though that there is no risk to people. It's just a little unsightly. For the most part, folks here tell us this popular spot looks good.

"Yeah, the state does a nice job on it. They keep the place clean," Holcomb said.

Of course, fishing season hasn't really gotten into full swing yet because of the weather, but folks here tell us, they hope this will all be resolved before then.