Nothing abnormal found in water samples taken after Cardigan fish kill, says DFO
Testing done on water samples from the site of a fish kill in the Cardigan River last month showed nothing out of the ordinary, according to a statement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
"Aside from early warm summer temperatures, there does not seem to be any link between a specific weather event and the fish kill incident," the DFO statement said.
Samples were taken a few days after dead fish began showing up in the eastern Prince Edward Island river on June 7 near the 48 Road in Cardigan. Three days later, the number of dead fish found hit 300.
Fish kills can happen for several reasons: algal blooms, droughts, infectious diseases, or heavy rain washing silt into a shallow water system, possibly accompanied by traces of agricultural or industrial chemicals.
DFO assessed the site and took water samples on June 10. (Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action)
The dead fish found in the Cardigan River included brook trout, rainbow trout, juvenile salmon and stickleback, according to the P.E.I. government.
Test results came back from a federal laboratory July 9, "which showed no abnormalities in the water chemistry," the statement said.
DFO said it continues to lead the investigation and monitor the situation in collaboration with provincial partners.
