Dead fish found in the Ausable River and at Port Franks beach in Lambton Shores is likely a natural occurrence, says Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
The municipality was notified over the weekend that Ontario’s Spills Action Center had received reports from the public about the dead fish in the Port Franks area, spokesperson Alex Boughen of Lambton Shores said.
Lambton Shores posted a community notice Sunday about the dead fish reported in the river and along the beach, and that civic officials had contacted the Coast Guard, the Spills Action Center and the ministry.
Ministry staff inspected the fish die-off Monday, spokesperson Gary Wheeler wrote by email.
“Based on how widespread the dead fish have been located, both in the Ausable River and along the shores of Lake Huron, the die-off is likely the result of naturally occurring conditions,” he said. “Ministry staff continue to assess the situation.”
Wheeler said the ministry provides information online – www.ontario.ca/page/dead-animals-or-fish-found-your-property – about what the public can do when they find dead animals or fish on their property.