On July 22, 1999, Maryland Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Environment (MDE) responded to reports of dead fish on the lower Pocomoke River. Dead fish were observed in the main portion of the river between Shelltown and Fair Island, but the core of kill was in Bullbegger Creek, located in the Virginia portion of the lower Pocomoke. The kill was estimated by MDE to affect approximately 500,000 young-of-the-year menhaden. No lesions were observed on the fish. MDE estimated that the fish had been dead for at least 18 hours. Other fish in the area were healthy, suggesting conditions that caused the kill had ceased.

The majority of evidence indicates that the cause of the fish kill was low dissolved oxygen. Measurements of dissolved oxygen in the area have shown very low levels. This is a natural occurrence exacerbated by drought conditions.

As a precaution, water samples were collected and sent to several laboratories for Pfiesteria analysis. Preliminary results are expected next week.

Maryland DNR and MDE are working with authorities in Virginia to monitor the situation and collect additional information as needed.