The NJ Department of Environmental Protection is investigating the massive die-off of menhaden in the Delaware Bay. In addition, fish tissue samples are being collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
According to Bob Van Fossen, the DEP's Manager for Emergency Management. "Low dissolved oxygen levels in the water may be a factor, but this may be difficult to confirm."
The wash-up of menhaden in the Delaware Bay appears to encompass about seven to eight miles of shoreline stretching from Kimbles Beach in Middle Township south to the Villas in Lower Township. Additional shoreline assessments are being done today.
The heaviest concentration of dead fish appears to be at High's Beach in Middle Township, about halfway between the northern and southern extents of the washed up fish. The fish appear to be exclusively small menhaden, also known as peanut bunker. Most are about 3.5 to 4 inches in The DEP will continue to provide the public and media with updates as they become available.
source: NJ DEP
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