Game officials investigate dead shad in Rivanna

Associated Press

Published: August 5, 2008

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — State game officials are investigating the death of dozens of fish whose carcasses were found at the bottom of the dam at the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has identified the species as gizzard shad.

Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority officials say that the fish kill won’t affect the reservoir’s water because the fish died below the dam.

Lee Walker with the state game department says a combination of hot weather, low water levels and a decrease in oxygen levels make it difficult for species such as the gizzard shad to survive around this time of year.