Heavy Rains Spark Fish Kill in South Florida's Biscayne Bay

An estimated 2,000 fish, primarily toadfish, were found dead in northern Biscayne Bay following last week's torrential downpours.

The affected area stretched from Morningside to North Bay Village and up to 95th Street, according to Miami Waterkeeper, a clean-water advocacy group.

This marks the fifth fish kill in Biscayne Bay since 2020, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges in the region.

The Little River, one of the county's most polluted waterways, has been overflowing with storm water since June 11, likely contributing to the unfavorable conditions.

Miami Waterkeeper's science director, Adriana González Fernández, explained that the influx of freshwater lowers salinity levels, potentially harming or displacing fish populations.

While the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department reported no direct contact between wastewater flows and surface water, storm runoff carries pollutants and animal waste that negatively impact aquatic life.

On June 12, Miami Waterkeeper's tests revealed that all sampled water in the area was unsuitable for recreational use due to high levels of enterococci bacteria.

Climate change exacerbates these issues, with rising temperatures reducing oxygen levels in the water and potentially triggering harmful algae blooms.

Loren Parra, Miami-Dade Chief Bay and Water Resources Officer, expressed concern about the early occurrence of this fish kill in the rainy season.

Experts warn that without significant climate mitigation efforts, such incidents may become more frequent in South Florida.