Thousands of dead alewives are washing up along the Lake Ontario shoreline, but state environmental officials say the die-off is a natural occurrence and not a cause for concern.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, large die-offs of alewives are typical this time of year. The invasive fish species is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, which can occur as they move from the deeper waters of the lake toward shore in the spring to spawn.
In a statement, DEC officials said recent years have seen strong reproduction among alewives, leading to an increase in their numbers in Lake Ontario. That means more fish are visible during these seasonal events.
DEC encourages anyone who encounters a fish kill to contact its Region 8 Fisheries office at (585) 226-5343 or email fwfish8@dec.ny.gov.
