Scientists with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation believe they know what's been responsible for the death of hundreds of fish in Irondequoit Bay.
Biologists with the state agency say the death of the fish, mainly a species known as 'gizzard shad,' which is a member of the herring family, is likely due to a virus. It's called ' viral hemorrhagic septicemia’ or 'VHS.' Officials say that is a disease that only affects fish, and does not pose any threat to human health.
The virus has been in Lake Ontario for quite a while, and scientists say some fish likely have already developed an immunity to the illness. But they say the virus could mutate, which could again cause more fish to be affected by it.
Because of that, the DEC is asking people who fish to help keep the disease from spreading by doing things like not transporting fish from one body of water to another, and removing mud and plants from all boating gear before leaving a body of water.