SAN ANTONIO – The recent fish kill at Calaveras Lake has stirred up concern among residents and environmentalists. Approximately 1,000 fish, mostly red drum, were found dead due to low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) spokesperson.
CPS Energy, responsible for managing the lake as a cooling reservoir for nearby power plants, reported the fish kill to TPWD after taking dissolved oxygen readings on-site. The decrease in dissolved oxygen, attributed to rising water temperatures, is a common seasonal occurrence at Calaveras Lake.
TPWD clarified that they do not clean up fish following such incidents, as the decomposition process provides nutrients for other organisms in the ecosystem. However, local authorities may decide to initiate cleanup efforts.
In response to the incident, CPS Energy issued a statement acknowledging the impact of weather conditions on oxygen levels and promising to assess the situation thoroughly in coordination with TPWD.
For those with photos or additional information, KSAT encourages sharing through their online platform, KSAT Connect.
Copyright 2024 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
