Mass fish kill at Lake Apopka under investigation as residents voice concerns

Thousands of dead fish have washed up along the shores of Lake Apopka, alarming nearby residents and prompting an investigation. 

Water testing underway to determine cause of fish kill

What we know:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the St. Johns River Water Management District are conducting water and fish testing to determine the cause. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has also issued a warning about blue-green algae in the lake. Officials say it could take up to 10 days to analyze water samples and determine the source of the die-off.

What we don't know:

The exact cause of the fish kill remains unclear. While blue-green algae has been detected in the lake, officials have not confirmed whether it is responsible for the mass deaths. Residents are also uncertain whether the incident is an isolated event or a sign of a larger environmental issue. Until test results are back, concerns remain about potential risks to other wildlife and public health.

The backstory:

Lake Apopka has long been the focus of environmental restoration efforts after years of pollution and ecological decline. Locals have noted improvements in water quality and fish populations in recent years, making this sudden die-off particularly concerning. The lake has a history of agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution, which can contribute to harmful algal blooms and fish kills.

The fish kill raises broad concerns about the health of Florida’s waterways and the long-term effectiveness of restoration efforts. Similar die-offs have occurred in other parts of the state due to algae blooms, pollution, and changing water conditions. Residents fear that if the cause isn’t identified and addressed, it could signal a setback for Lake Apopka’s recovery and impact local ecosystems.

What they're saying:

You can smell the rotting fish as soon as you get out of the car here at Newton Park. We explored the shoreline of Lake Apopka and saw hundreds of dead fish. 

The shoreline of Lake Apopka is right in Al Law's backyard.

"I couldn’t believe it. I’m like what happened? Was it an apocalypse or something? It was just crazy to see all these dead fish."

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is also getting involved as it warns about Blue-Green Algae at Lake Apopka.

"For years they’ve been working on this lake getting better, and it’s actually been doing better. It’s been getting a lot of good reviews," said Laws. "All of a sudden we have something like this. What could possibly be going on at Lake Apopka?"

The FWC said it could take seven to 10 days to analyze the water samples and until the results come back, Winter Garden resident Jim Essig said, he worries about the smell and the effects on other animals like the Egrets he’s seen eating dead fish.

"It is stinky for one thing and a hazard to the birds that might be eating them too," said Essig. "I’m concerned about the whole life cycle here at the lake."

Essig said he hopes this could be enough momentum to get some real change.

"I’d like to see the lake come back because it’s not been healthy for a few years," said Essig. "Whatever the scientists can come up with to get the whole life-cycle healthy in the lake for both plants and animals would be wonderful."

What you can do:

The health department said they do not recommend drinking or swimming in the water. If you have any contact with the algae, wash your skin and clothes with soap and water.

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