Baykeeper: Fish kills discovered in the Raritan Bay

    Numerous fish were spotted floating yesterday in the Raritan Bay and its tributaries, according to a release from the NY/NJ Baykeeper.

    The organization reported fish kills of peanut bunker in the Leonardo Marina, Thornes Creek, and Natco Lake.

    “We have reported these to the state and county officials. The likely cause is low dissolved oxygen, not uncommon for late summer, warm water and lots of nutrients in the water,” the release said.

    A subsequent update from the organization stated that dissolved oxygen levels at the Leonardo Marina have improved. 

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    There have been multiple fish kills in New Jersey due to various reasons in the last decade. 

    In January 2015, more than 5,000 fish died in a discharge canal at the the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in Lacey Township.

    At the time, state officials said the Atlantic menhaden, also known as bunker, may be drawn to the canal’s warm water or are scared of a predator. 

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal