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Preface <br />Fish kills are graphic evidence of serious problems in a lake or stream. If the kill is related to the presence <br />of toxic chemicals, there may be human health concerns, in addition to the obvious damage to the ecosystem <br />and the fisheries resources. Depending on the cause of a fish kill, legal and economic ramifications may <br />be involved. If the kill is caused by human or corporate actions. litigation is likely to follow, with possible <br />court-awarded damages and assessed costs for cleanup and restoration. <br />Federal and State agencies have expressed the need for a compendium of known and accepted methods <br />and techniques that should be followed by anyone investigating a fish kill. This manual is an attempt to <br />fill that need. It addresses the many facets involved in a fish kill investigation and provides instruction, <br />guidance, examples, and sample forms that can be used. <br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to provide this manual to help fisheries biologists and <br />others prepare for a fish kill investigation. Research and Development (Region 8) has cooperated with <br />the Division of Environmental Contaminants in Fish and Wildlife Enhancement to provide expertise and <br />funds. We hope that the manual proves to be useful for interpreting evidence at the site of a fish kill, <br />gathering needed evidence and data, making the final determination of the cause and needed remedial <br />and corrective actions, and preparing for appearance as a court witness. <br />John D. Buffington John A. Blankenship <br />Regional Director Fish and Wildlife Enhancement <br />for Division of Environmental Contaminants <br />Research and Development Washington, D.C. <br />Washington, D.C. <br />vii