Process of collecting thousands of dead fish in Florida

Brevard County, Florida, USA, had to mobilize many agencies, residents and even prisoners to clean up thousands of dead fish in the Indian River lagoon at the end of March.

Dead fish floated along a lagoon in Brevard County for about 30 kilometers. Photo: New Times.

In late March 2016, thousands of dead fish were found floating along a nearly 50-kilometer stretch of the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County, central Florida, USA. One of the causes given was the El Nino phenomenon in this area.

In January, parts of Florida received three times the annual average rainfall. This water carried pollution into rivers, altering their ecosystems. By mid-March, river temperatures spiked as green and brown algae bloomed, depleting the water of oxygen.

Immediately after receiving the situation report, the district government mobilized many agencies to quickly collect and clean up the dead fish, such as the Water Resources Management Agency, Social Services, Solid Waste Treatment, and even the police force.

The collection of dead fish was first carried out in riverside areas of county parks, then expanded to piers, river banks...

People help collect dead fish that have washed ashore. Photo: New Times

Florida Today reported that health officials require cleanup crews, whether hired or volunteer, to wear gloves while working and not handle dead fish.

After collecting the fish, they will gather them in large trash bins located at fixed points. At this point, trucks will take them to the central landfill and process them by burying them.

In the mid-water area, the district's waterway management agency will dispatch ships carrying specialists to salvage floating fish carcasses.

To speed up the process, local authorities have called for help from volunteers and people living in areas where fish have been washed ashore.

The local prison also sent 15 inmates to help collect the dead fish. They had committed minor crimes, but were still forced to wear shackles while participating in the cleanup.

Some prisoners were still chained at the feet while cleaning up the dead fish. Photo: New Times

Due to the large number of dead fish, the cleanup is mainly in areas where fish have washed ashore. As for the rotting fish floating in the water, the authorities advise people not to collect them.

"We don't encourage them to try to go out into the middle of the river and pick up dead fish. Just let it sink and nature will take its course," said Don Walker, a spokesman for Brevard County.

According to the Miami Herald, after nearly two weeks of cleaning, residents and experts have collected nearly 30 tons of fish floating on the surface of the water or washed ashore. This number does not include a large amount of fish that sank to the bottom.

According to Zing.vn