Hundreds Of Dead Fish Spotted Floating In Hudson River

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY—If you’ve been anywhere near the Hudson River the last few days, you may have noticed an unwelcoming sight: hundreds of dead fish floating near the banks along the west side of Manhattan.

According to the environmental advocacy group, Riverkeeper, the widespread deaths of Atlantic menhaden, and possibly other species, are most likely the result of prolonged heat and lack of rain, combined with other factors, which reduce levels of dissolved oxygen that the fish need to survive.

“Importantly, it’s a symptom of a compromised and fragile ecosystem in the river and harbor. It’s yet another warning about our need to restore the river to health and balance in the face of climate change,” the organization said.

Health officials told WABC-TV that there is no cause for alarm.

Fish that swim in large schools are particularly vulnerable to low dissolved oxygen content, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation told the news station.

Their deaths, in fact, are the result of a "naturally occurring phenomenon," according to the NYDEC.

Video of dead fish in the Hudson River (used with permission):