How to Report a Fish Die-Off

1-800-667-1940

This line is available between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

By calling the Ministry of Natural Resources fish die-off line when you find numbers of dead or dying fish, particularly if the fish show signs of disease, you will help MNR understand diseases and how they spread. Adding this information to what we learn by sampling fish around the province enables MNR to better manage disease and protect our fish populations.

While stress caused by spawning or changing water temperatures may cause fish populations to die off in the spring or fall, reports from the public will help MNR identify die-offs associated with fish diseases.

When you call to report a fish die-off, you will be asked for this information:

• Name, address and phone number of caller
• What kind of fish (i.e., bait fish or game fish) and, the species of fish, if known (e.g., walleye, yellow perch, muskellunge, emerald shiner, etc.)
• Location (as close as possible by District, Township, waterbody)
• Condition of fish (dead, dying, decomposed)
• Recent weather or environmental conditions
• How many fish (e.g., a dozen, a hundred, a thousand, thousands, etc.)
• Are the fish showing any signs of illness or disease, e.g., pale gills and organs; bloated abdomens; bulging eyes; hemorrhages (bleeding) on their bodies and/or organs; or, dark body color?

If you’d like more information, please refer to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Fish Health Fact Sheets.