Researchers: What's Killing Thousands Of Walleye In Lake Erie?

DETROIT (AP) - Wildlife researchers in northern Ohio want to know what's killing thousands of walleye in Lake Erie.

Many of the dead fish have been washing up on beaches between Toledo and Port Clinton in recent weeks.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources biologist Roger Knight says it looks like the worst might be over. "It probably started a while ago," he said.

He thinks the walleye might be dying from the stresses of spawning combined with all of the cold, stormy weather this spring.

Knight also says the fish have a greater risk of getting sick from natural diseases after spawning.

Researchers also are testing the fish for viruses to determine if that could be the cause, he said.

The walleye is Lake Erie's most popular sport fish and draws anglers from across the Midwest and beyond.