Herbicides, hormone-disrupting chemicals, as well as pathogens and parasites in the water, are the most likely causes for the decade-long decline of prize game fish in the Susquehanna River, a new study by state and federal agencies says.
The study by the agency, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and six partner agencies is the latest and most extensive probe yet into the cause of die-offs of smallmouth bass and the alarming appearance of tumors, lesions and bass with both male and female organs.
The study said sources can be from pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and household cleaning products. Discharges from sewage plants and farm runoff would be likely sources. Quigley said endocrine disrupters can also come from industry, residential/commercial landscaping, golf courses and roadways.
The next step will be to focus on identifying the sources of endocrine-disrupting compounds and herbicides, and what is causing the increased prevalence and lethality of the pathogens and parasites in smallmouth bass, according to a press release by the Department of Environmental Protection.