Environmental group urges Alabamians to avoid popular river after fish kill

The Black Warrior Riverkeeper is currently investigating a concerning fish kill along the Mulberry Fork. The environmental organization raised alarms after receiving numerous reports regarding a massive die-off of aquatic life over the recent weekend.

Investigation Underway

On Aug. 24, Riverkeeper Nelson Brooke launched a patrol boat to document the extent of the incident. According to a Facebook post from the nonprofit, dead fish were discovered stretching from Cordova 12 miles upstream to the confluence of the Mulberry and Sipsey forks, as well as 5 miles upstream on the Mulberry Fork itself.

The conditions on the water were described as grim. The group reported a significant odor of decay, turbid brown water, and a visible green algal bloom accompanied by a sheen on the surface.

Understanding the Impact

The species affected include blacktail redhorse, freshwater drum, river redhorse, striped bass, catfish, and the rare southern walleye. While investigators are still working to determine the exact root cause and timeline, the initial assessment points to low dissolved oxygen levels as the primary culprit.

According to SOLitude Lake Management, a fish kill is defined as a sudden and unexpected death of aquatic life in a specific area. Unlike natural mortality caused by age or individual injury, these events involve large numbers of fish in a short window. When dissolved oxygen levels fluctuate rapidly or drop too low, fish populations are unable to survive.

A History of Pollution Concerns

The Mulberry Fork has faced similar incidents in the past. Black Warrior Riverkeeper noted that previous kills in 2016 and 2019 were linked to pollution spills at the Hanceville rendering plant. That facility, formerly operated by American Proteins and later Tyson, continues to operate today as River Valley Ingredients. The 2019 incident resulted in the state suing Tyson, eventually leading to a $3 million settlement in 2021.

Public Caution Advised

As the investigation continues, 205focus.com readers are urged to exercise caution. The Black Warrior Riverkeeper is asking the public to avoid all contact with the water until the origins of the kill and the current water quality conditions are better understood.

The organization is actively seeking help from the community. If you have information regarding the incident or have collected and frozen fresh, dead fish for testing, please reach out to the group directly.