Fish Kill Zone Widens; Algal Bloom Suspected
New fish kills were reported in Old Tampa Bay Thursday, widening the death zone miles beyond the original kill reported at Courtney Campbell Parkway over the weekend.
The latest fish kill was reported at the mouth of Allen's Creek in Largo, roughly two miles south of the causeway. Dead fish also were reported at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, about three miles north of the causeway.
"The kill is continuing," said Theresa Cody, a research scientist with the state Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. "It tells me it's ongoing, but there is a lot of difference between Philippe Park and Allen's Creek, so I guess it's a pretty widespread problem."
Cody blamed low oxygen levels for the widespread kills. Water samples taken Wednesday and Thursday revealed dissolved oxygen levels well below the danger level of 5 milligrams per liter.
Bernie Banull of Safety Harbor took pictures of dozens of dead and dying stingrays at Philippe Park as well as other struggling fish. He said mullet were swimming on top of the water and appeared to be gasping for breath.
Fish and Wildlife researchers think an algal bloom is causing the low oxygen levels. Higher-than-normal amounts of algae called Rhizosolenia setigera and Pseudo-nitzschia are present in the bay. The algae produce oxygen when the sun is shining and use oxygen at night.
