The Town of Cobourg’s Environmental Services Department, would like to provide information regarding the fish die off taking place along Lake Ontario shorelines.
The Town of Cobourg has received reports of a fish die off event affecting the Cobourg Marina. Staff have investigated and identified the fish as Alewife Fish. The Alewife Fish is a member of the herring family and are particularly abundant in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. In May and June, Alewife Fish move to shallow waters to spawn, which requires a lot of energy and can be quite stressful. “Spring-time mortality events due to sudden changes in water temperature are common for Alewife Fish in the Great Lakes
which is what has occurred along the shoreline of Cobourg causing a surplus of deceased fish to wash into the Cobourg Marina and Harbour”, says Jennifer Leno, Environmental Technician, Environmental Services Department.
The Town of Cobourg would like to inform citizens that this is not unusual at this time of year, and it can fluctuate depending on the severity of the weather, but it is always occurring in various degrees. The last such large die off event occurred in 2019.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Fish and Wildlife have confirmed similar situations all along Lake Ontario shorelines. In a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources: “While the sight of dead fish can be concerning, it is important to note that these events are natural and not indicative of a larger environmental or health crisis.”
The MNR advises to avoid direct contact with any dead fish and to report instances of dead fish to the MNR (1-800-387-7011).
For questions please contact the Town of Cobourg’s Environmental Services department at 905-372-7332.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
