Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Anchovy Apocalypse


The Joe Jackson-Franck Rouas fragrance deal isn’t the only thing smelling a bit fishy these days. Redondo Beach, California is reeking after a massive fish die-off in the King Harbor basins. Natural causes are suspected—perhaps an algal bloom depleting oxygen levels in the water. Angelinos remain upbeat, as ever:

“Every indication is that this is a naturally occurring event,” a state Fish and Game official said. “It’s just a mess. It’s going to smell for a while, but the city’s doing a great job with the cleanup.”

Photos here and here.

UPDATE March 12, 2011

While oxygen depletion remains the immediate cause of the mass mortality, USC scientists have found high levels of domoic acid in the dead fish, suggesting a role for the algae bloom spotted offshore. The Los Angeles Times reports that more than 35 tons of stinky fish have been pulled from the harbor.

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