Lake Simcoe Fish Die Off

This summer the Lake Simcoe area has experienced a die off of carp, resulting in dead fish washing up on shore in many locations.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has been responding to this event and is reporting that within Lake Simcoe it appears that die-off has peaked and is now subsiding. The MNR has received no new reports of dead fish in recent days.

You can read the ministry's information on the fish die off by clicking here.

York Region Community and Health Services reminds all residents with open wounds, cuts or abrasions, regardless of the current fish die off, to stay out of the water.

All surface waters contain bacteria and have the potential to infect people, especially those who have open wounds or suppressed immune systems.

As required by the Beach Management Protocol, mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, York Region public health is responsible for monitoring the water quality at local public bathing beaches. If bacterial counts in the water exceed the provincial guidelines (100 E. coli per 100ml of water), inspectors will post a sign at the beach advising the public that the water is unsafe for swimming. For more information on the beach monitoring programs and for posting information, click here.

If you must handle dead fish to dispose of them, please use the following steps:
� Use rubber gloves, rakes and/or shovels to move the fish
� Double bag fish for disposal
� Wash hands and disinfect any implements with bleach
� For information on disposal from the Town of Georgina, please click here

Do not eat dead fish collected from the shoreline.

Drinking water directly from the lake without an adequate treatment device is never recommended.

For more information, please visit http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/index.html

Posted: July 11, 2008