Authorities are pointing the finger at extreme heat as thousands of fish were found dead in southern California after apparently being exposed to a lake’s harmful bacteria following a period of intense weather in the state. Some 2,000 striped mullet were discovered dead in Malibu Lagoon and Creek. The coastal inlets are home to several other species of fish. However, it was only the striped mullet that fell
victim to the mass fish mortality, an event that has left State Parks officials scratching their heads. Temperatures in the inlets were recently found to be around 27-28°C, which is thought to be the upper limit at which striped mullet can survive. “The cause of the mortality is unknown, but recent high water temperatures associated with the recent heat wave may be a prime culprit,” California State Parks said in a statement. READ MORE
