[Mike]

http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/5485988.html

Associated Press
July 1, 2005 CRAPPIES0702
WASECA, Minn. -— The fish kill that left tens of thousands of black
crappies dead in Clear Lake in southern Minnesota appears to be over.

Pathology tests show the crappies suffocated, but the DNR hasn’t
determined what caused them to suffocate.

Columnaris bacteria, a common bacteria found in shallow lakes in the
summer, was detected in the fish, but scientists say that appears to
be a secondary ailment. Columnaris is usually only blamed for the
deaths of a few hundred fish.

DNR fisheries supervisor Todd Kolander says between 50,000 and
100,000 fish, or maybe more, died in Clear Lake. Officials estimate
Clear Lake could have one million black crappies.

Pathology labs will run more tests to find a more specific cause for
the die-off.