LANSING, MI-- A harsh winter could mean a large number of dead fish in Michigan lakes this spring.
The state Department of Natural Resources says this winter’s thick ice and deep snow cover could create conditions that cause fish, turtles, frogs, toads, and crayfish to die.
Winterkill occurs when thick ice and snow cut off light to aquatic plants, which stop producing oxygen and die. The bacteria that decompose organic materials use the rest of the oxygen in the water, causing the deaths of aquatic animals. The rate that oxygen is used for decomposition increases, leading to additional fish and animal deaths—which isn’t observed until the ice and snow melt in the spring.
DNR officials say the kills are localized and typically don’t affect the overall health of the fish populations.
