Fish in Lake Michigan die for various reasons. The spawning season from June to August puts stress on fish. Rapid changes in water temperature lead to thermal shock. Invasive mussels reduce food supply, causing starvation, especially for species like alewives. These factors together result in high fish mortality.
Pollution also plays a significant role. Contaminants introduced through industrial discharges and urban runoff can harm fish directly or disrupt their breeding and feeding patterns. Additionally, invasive species, such as Asian carp, compete for resources. They can drive native fish species out of their habitats, contributing to fish die-off events.
The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment for fish in Lake Michigan. Communities and environmental groups are responding to these issues through monitoring and regulation efforts. As awareness grows, stakeholders search for sustainable solutions to protect the lake’s ecosystem. In the next section, we will explore specific case studies of recent fish kills and further examine their impacts on the ecosystem and local communities.
