Dead Fish In Lake St. Clair Blamed On Cold

DETROIT (AP) - Michigan officials say thousands of dead fish found in the Lake St. Clair area likely died because of the cold weather.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Environment says Friday that large numbers of gizzard shad probably died because of the lengthy, cold winter. State officials say they've collected samples and had them analyzed, and they don't suspect a fish virus or bacterial disease is to blame.

Thousands of dead gizzard shad were found earlier this year in Lakes Erie and St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River. Shad deaths are typical in the winter.

The state says most of the dead fish are expected to collect in canals and in near-shore areas. Landowners with large numbers of dead fish should consider burying or composting them.

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