Multitude of fish found dead at Choccolocco park

Oxford city leaders say algae treatment killed fish at park
Published: Apr. 22, 2024 at 8:48 PM CDT

OXFORD, Ala. (WBRC) - Dead fish are floating in the lake at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. Walking around the lake you can see fish popping up out of the water, and many just floating along the water.

Reports of dead fish floating along the bank inside the park started last Friday. Oxford city leaders say, the city contracted with a company to spray the lake for algae growth. The process that was used ended up depleting the oxygen level in the water where they sprayed.

City officials say, the bait fish, or smaller fish did not go to the lower level of the lake for oxygen. Other fish such as bass and catfish have been affected by this spraying as well. City leaders say this is an unfortunate situation that they’re trying to correct.

Brian Graves, public information officer with Oxford says, “The city is now working with a contractor to ensure this will all be rectified, and we do have crews out that are scooping and getting the dead fish out of the way and we’re really proud of Choccolocco Park and we want to keep it clean and safe for all visitors. This is one of those things we hope to rectify really shortly.”

You can see fish floating on top of the lake and many are dead underwater. People walking in the park say the smell is horrible and they hope crews can clean it up quickly.

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