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Isle of Wight Fish Kill Cause Determined With Continuous Monitoring Data
On June 7th, 2002, a fish kill of 15,000 menhaden was reported in the canals of Cape Isle of Wight in the Maryland Coastal Bays. A nearby continuous monitor in Turville Creek showed that low dissolved oxygen of <1 mg/l on the morning of June 6th, caused by an algal bloom die-off several days prior, was the likely cause of the fish kill. The continuous monitoring data helped to pinpoint the cause of the kill in a timely manner and rule out the possibility of a toxic Pfiesteria outbreak. Quickly determining causes of fish kills in the coastal bays is very important, given the economic importance and the human health ramifications in and around the Ocean City, MD resort area.

Map showing the location of the Turville Creek continuous monitor and site of the 6/7/2002 fish kill report in Maryland's Coastal Bays.
Graphic showing relationship between Turville Creek algae bloom, the resulting low dissolved oxygen and the timing of the fish kill.