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Beach lovers in the Valley can wade back into the Ottawa River after Renfrew County public health officials lifted a swimming ban yesterday.
A waterborne bacteria that’s believed to have killed more than 1,000 fish in the Ottawa River doesn’t pose a danger to humans, prompting the reopening of public beaches from the Chenaux Dam to the Town of Arnprior.
Ministry of Natural Resources officials believe the bacterial disease columnaris is responsible for the massive catfish kill that’s seen hundreds of fish washed ashore along the Ottawa River.
While several dead fish have tested positive for the bacteria, the disease hasn’t affected other water creatures, said Doug Skeggs, special project officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
“What we’re seeing is a healthy ecosystem when we look at clams, crayfish and snails,” said Skeggs.
Warm water conditions and overpopulation likely contributed to the fish kill, he added.
It will likely take another month before MNR officials can rule out other possible causes for the fish kill, such as viral infections but chemical causes have been eliminated.