See fish kills in Louisiana? Here’s how to report it to LDWF

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) asks the public to report any fish kills seen in state waterways.

The agency said high water temperatures, extended cloudy weather and storms can lead to freshwater and marine fish kills. If conditions exist where water is warmer, a fish kill can happen due to an inadequate oxygen supply.

Waterways in south Louisiana, like ponds, bayous and marshes, are more vulnerable to a reduction in oxygen levels, leading to fish kills.

Conditions that can lead to a fish kill:

• Heavy rainfall
• Extended cloudy weather
• Low or stagnant water
• Decaying debris or vegetation in the water
• Extended excessive hot weather
• Turbid runoff, or nutrient-laden runoff
• Floodwater receding from forested floodplains

How to report fish kills to LDWF

Reporting fish kills can be done over the phone by calling the appropriate district or calling 800-442-2511. LDWF suggests having as much information as possible to report the fish kill.

Information needed:

• Your name, email address and phone number
• Date and time the fish kill was noticed
• Location
• Number of fish and species
• Estimated date of the fish kill
• Whether fish are still dying
• Agencies contacted

After making the call, LDWF biologists are informed to investigate.

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