Residents of Avon Lake and Sheffield Lake are concerned about the growing number of dead freshwater drum fish washing up on their shores.
Residents speculate that a recent Ford oil plant spill is to blame for why hundreds of fish are turning up dead. But News 5 spoke to the Ohio EPA and they say there is no reason to believe the number of fish dead is connected to the oil spill because it wouldn't affect just one species.
Residents started noticing dead fish washing up on shores Wednesday morning.
Officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife came to the area to confirm the dead Freshwater drum fish.
Experts said a viral infection could be linked to the death of hundreds of fish. ODNR believes the fish deaths could also be linked to spawning stress, which affects their immune system.
Hundreds of fish haven't washed up on the shores in quite some time.
ODNR experts will keep a close eye on the situation for the next week or so. If the situation worsens and if other species start to die, they will begin to test the water.
