What's Killing the Fish?

Missy Thompson walks along the Daphne shoreline everyday and wants to know what is killing the fish.
"I've noticed more gators. I know it's time for gators to be out, but I don't know if they're coming up for an easy food source with all these rotten fish on the beach."
The rotten fish keep washing ashore, and biologists do not know why.

Chris Denson with the Alabama Marine Resources says, "Typically during the springs, we will see some fish with legions on them. It has the tendency to be due to fresh water input and change in salinity and temperatures. But usually not to this extent."
Denson has received reports of dead fish from Daphne to the Intracoastal Waterway. He said whatever this is... several hundred fish have died.
"This could be anything from a virus to bacterial infections, or even a fungus."

In 1996, thousands of catfish died over a period of a few months. The cause of death was never determined. This kill is not only affecting catfish, but other fish as well.

"We are seeing some fish come in with lesions or sores on their bodies. These fish have been taken up to Auburn to be tested."

For now, Thompson just wants to know what to do while walking along the beach.
"Just the safety of our kids, what it is, you know how the bacteria has spread. If it's a virus, how easily can it be transferred from the bottom of your shoe with our kids on the beach?"

If you see fish with red marks that look like rust spots, or lesions, do not eat them.
We'll let you know the results from testing as soon as they come in next week.