Hundreds more dead fish wash ashore

DUNDALK, Md. (WMAR) - Hundreds more dead fish washed ashore in the Dundalk and Baltimore areas Wednesday and Thursday, due to an algae bloom.

Thousands of dead fish started popping up in Marley Creek and near the City Dock in Annapolis on Monday, but now the fish kill has begun to move north, all thanks to algae blooms.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) officials responded to the Bullneck Creek near Merritt Point Wednesday afternoon where they found an estimated 500 dead fish. Residents reported to MDE officials they had seen the crabs jumping from the water in order to get the oxygen they need to breathe. Officials say this is a common practice when there are algae blooms.

Crews also responded to the Inner Harbor Thursday to find about 1,000 more dead fish. Water samples that were taken showed there was oxygen depletion in the water.

Officials have been watching several algae blooms since March and say that this is likely what is killing all the fish.

The bloom does not produce a toxin, and does not cause harm to humans.

To report a fish kill please call the Hotline at 1-877-224-7229.