Reporting fish kills and algal blooms
Glossary
Algae: Simple rootless plants that grow in sunlit waters.
Algal blooms: Sudden spurts of algal growth, which can affect water quality and indicate changes in local water chemistry. The blooms may be red, brown or green in color.
Fish kill: Refers to large numbers of dead and dying fish.
To report dead or dying fish in the Shenandoah, Cowpasture, James and Maury river watersheds:
- Contact DEQ's Harrisonburg office
(540) 574-7800
(800) 592-5482 (toll-free in Virginia) - Information can also be emailed to fishreports@deq.virginia.gov.
Report the location, number and type of fish. Distressed fish are found mainly in eddies, shallow areas and slow-moving waters away from the main current.
For more information: Update on fish kill task force investigation
To report dead or dying fish in other areas, or an algal bloom…
During business hours, please call the nearest Department of Environmental Quality regional office.
- Abingdon: (276) 676-4800
- Glen Allen (Richmond): (804) 527-5020
- Harrisonburg: (540) 574-7800
- Lynchburg: (434) 582-5120
- Roanoke: (540) 562-6700
- Virginia Beach: (757) 518-2000
- Woodbridge: (703) 583-3800
- Toll-free for all regions: 1-800-592-5482
After business hours, please call the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
- 1-800-468-8892
Tips on reporting a fish kill or algal bloom
When reporting a fish kill or an algal bloom, please tell DEQ the following information if possible.
- WHERE: The location of the incident.
- WHEN: The day and time you saw dead or dying fish, or the algal bloom.
- WHAT: Information on what may be causing the problem.