Mass Mystic River Fish Deaths Investigated

SOMERVILLE, MA – Officials are investigating what caused the deaths of scores of fish that washed up on the shore of the Mystic River this week. Thousands of dead menhaden were found on the river bank near Assembly Row, and others were seen floating in the water, Boston 25 reported.

However, environmental officials do not believe the startling incident was the result of pollution. The Department of Environmental Protection told 7-News testing of water samples did not determine there to be oil or hazardous material and the Division of Marine Fisheries concluded the fish likely died of natural causes.

Officials are trying to determine if warmer weather contributed to a significant change in water temperature, lowering the oxygen level of the fish.

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