Author
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Mitchell, Andrew |
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Submitted to: Fisheries Sciences
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2003 Publication Date: 3/1/2003 Citation: MITCHELL, A.J. REPORTS OF FISH KILLS PRIOR TO 1900 IN THE UNITED STATES.. FISHERIES. 2003. v.11. p.1-11. Interpretive Summary: This paper discusses fish kills that have occurred in the United States prior to 1900. The purpose of the paper is to make known to the readers the origins, etiologies, frequency, reoccurrence, magnitude, and impact of fish kills. Such information may help the reader to gain an understanding that could eventually lead to prediction and prevention of fish kills. Technical Abstract: An overview of fish kills prior to 1900 is presented. Native Americans were observing fish deaths in the Gulf of Mexico in the 1500s. About 1609, Captain John Smith reported a strange encounter with fish in the Virginia River that had to be a fish kill in progress. A few years later, in 1698, many fish were reportedly dying from the wastes produced during the processing of whales. Between 1867 and 1899, 46 more fish kill reports were found. These included fish mortalities reported in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and inland freshwater streams and lakes. Some involved massive fish mortalities equaling or exceeding any observed in recent years. Reasons given for the kills varied greatly and these included spectacular and sometimes humorous opinions. Good evidence was given to support red tide as a cause in at least one case. These reports may provide the reader with a better understanding of the causes and the scope of fish kills and ways to respond to them. |
