Spirit Lake, IA (KICD)– A recent investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has determined natural causes led to a number of recent fish deaths in the Iowa Great Lakes.

Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins tells KICD News the bluegill and crappie likely died from stress during the spawning season that can be caused by a number of circumstances like changes in water temperature and quality and the availability of food.

Hawkins says there is little danger to the overall populations of bluegill and crappie in the local area considering the Iowa Great Lakes can support thousand of panfish per acre of water.

Anyone seeing dead fish, especially groups, or a possible water pollutant are asked to call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694. Quick action can help staff not only identify the cause but also potentially stop a fish kill in progress.