Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - A reported fish kill at Bivens Arm Lake in southwest Gainesville has been caused by weather related high temperatures. 

Chris Bird, Alachua County Environmental Protection Director, said,  “Extended periods of hot and sunny weather heat up the lake’s water temperature, reducing dissolved oxygen below levels that fish need to survive. 

Bivens Arm is the most vulnerable area lake to “heat stress” fish kills because it is very shallow and prone to algal blooms, which further reduce dissolved oxygen levels.  This lake receives an excessive amount of nutrient and sediment loadings due to untreated stormwater flow from urban Gainesville’s Tumblin Creek watershed. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission maintains a fish kill hotline 1-800-636-0511 and website http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/.  Fish kills as well as fish with parasites, or other fish abnormalities may be reported to the toll-free hotline.

For further information, contact Chris Bird, Alachua County Environmental Protection Director, at 352-264-6800.