Colorado Parks and Wildlife

9/9/2022

Low dissolved oxygen levels in Mann-Nyholt in Brighton leads to fish die-off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Travis Duncan
Public Information Supervisor
720-595-8294 / travis.duncan@state.co.us

Low dissolved oxygen levels in Mann-Nyholt in Brighton leads to fish die-off

A recent algae bloom and high water temperatures at Mann-Nyholt Lake in Adams County have created low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and caused numerous fish to die.

DENVER - A recent algae bloom and high water temperatures at Mann-Nyholt Lake in Adams County have created low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and caused numerous fish to die.

The event will impact aquatic life and fishing conditions in the immediate future.

CPW District Wildlife Manager Jerrie McKee said conditions were caused by several factors. High water temperatures, lower levels of running water feeding into the lake, and a recent algae bloom have all resulted in lower levels of dissolved oxygen available for aquatic life. Some species are more susceptible as dissolved oxygen levels fall and include minnows and gizzard shad, which is the majority of the die-off at this time.

Several agencies including Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Tri-County Health, and the local parks department have been notified of current conditions and may conduct additional monitoring and testing as they see necessary.

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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 42 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

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Low dissolved oxygen levels in Mann-Nyholt in Brighton leads to fish die-off