Invasive carp make up 90% of fish killed in Mississippi River

Hundreds of dead fish have washed up along stretches of the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois, creating a grim sight for visitors and raising concerns about what caused the die-off and whether the water remains safe. However, wildlife officials say the situation may ultimately benefit the river ecosystem.About 90% of the dead fish found at Riverside Landing Park in St. Charles County, Missouri, were identified as invasive silver and bighead carp. Officials say warm temperatures, low water levels and reduced oxygen appear to have caused the deaths, while native fish are better adapted to the river’s harsh summer conditions.Why are so many fish dying in the Mississippi River?Dan Zarlenga of the Missouri Department of Conservation said the combination of warm weather and lower water levels appears to be behind the die-off.“The heat warms up the water, and the water is lower, and there’s less oxygen than cooler (water),” he…