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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Officials in Georgetown County say there is no threat to water quality or humans after two fish kills were reported.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports (http://bit.ly/1yVzut7) hundreds of dead fish were found in North Inlet late Thursday.
Dean Cain, a marine biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said up to a million fish died in Winyah Bay around Muddy Bay sometime late Wednesday or early Thursday and is likely related to low dissolved oxygen. Cain said most of the fish were menhaden, but there were also some red drum.
On Friday, Cain was investigating a second report in North Inlet. He said hypoxia is the likely culprit for both fish kills, but said it doesn't mean the events are related.
In January 2013, thousands of menhaden fish washed ashore in Debordiue and Pawleys Island. Officials suspected low oxygen levels in the waters just offshore.
DNR coastal reserves and outreach director Phil Maier said it will take several days to confirm the cause, but all conditions point toward low oxygen levels.
"An early morning low tide, warm temperatures, and real stable conditions point toward a low dissolved oxygen kill," he said. "June through August is typically when we see these kinds of events."
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Information from: The Sun News, http://www.thesunnews.com/
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