Dead fish washing up on Wascana shoreline

Regina – It’s an unfortunate part of spring.

Rotting fish carcasses are once again dotting the Wascana Lake shoreline.

It’s a tasty sight for the Seagulls, but not so nice if you’re trying to enjoy a scenic stroll.

When large numbers of fish die, it’s called ‘winter kill.’

The phenomenon occurs in frozen lakes and ponds where the gas exchange between the water and air isn’t enough to maintain oxygen levels.

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During the winter, oxygen usually enters a frozen lake through streams and cracks in the ice.

Depending on the length of the winter, the amount of fresh water entering the lake and the amount of snow cover, oxygen levels may be depleted throughout the winter.

The Wascana Centre Authority has seen an increase in the amount of fish dying, compared to other years.

CEO of the Wascana Centre Authority, Bernadette McIntyre, said it might be awhile before you can enjoy a fish-free shoreline.

Over 90 per cent of the fish that have been caught in the freeze are Common Carp.

The species is considered highly destructive and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s top 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species list.

McIntyre also said the ‘winter kill’ is positive for the lake and the centre won’t interfere unless it’s harmful.