MDC investigates two separate fish kills at the Lake of the Ozarks
The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed Wednesday it is investigating two separate fish kills in the Lake of the Ozarks Reservoir.
The department told ABC 17 News the first kill started in May when Truman Dam released water through floodgates after heavy rain and flooding throughout the state.
Large paddlefish were killed by blunt force trauma, resulting in spinal fracture and decapitation, from the force of the spill gate flows.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says the kill is “significant” because paddlefish reproduce in free-flowing rivers and are not known to naturally reproduce in reservoirs. It also says that it would cost more than $131,000 to replace the paddlefish collected so far.
The second kill the department is investigating is due to a widespread disease. Crappie, catfish and drum have been affected. ABC 17 News asked how many fish have died so far but was told the number has not been determined yet.
Officials said it is hard to say how long this fish kill will last, but the disease is not transferable to humans and the fish are safe to eat if they are cooked thoroughly.
