Hundreds of dead fish were found along Catfish Creek in Dubuque County, Iowa over Labor Day weekend.
“DNR fisheries found dead fish along at least 2.2 miles of stream above the confluence with the South Fork of Catfish Creek on Sept. 1,” said a statement from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR counted 455 dead fish for which they set a preliminary value estimate of $2,705. Bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, stonecat, yellow perch and white sucker were identified among the dead fish. Some small fish could not be identified because of advanced decay.
The fish had been dead for several days before the Department of Natural Resources was notified, the statement said. That is why investigators could not verify a pollutant source that caused the fish kill.
“However, DNR investigators think it was likely related to storm water runoff,” the statement said.
Anyone who finds dead fish in Iowa is asked to report the discovery by calling the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-281-8694 as soon as possible.