Frazier Park, CA (Sunday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m.)— Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor
Brian Beal answered a series of questions regarding the Frazier Mountain Park pond and the distress of the fish this evening in an interview. He confirmed it is true that carp will come to the surface and gulp for air when the dissolved oxygen in the water is insufficient. He said it is unlikely that any trout survived into the summer. “They were either caught or they died from elevated temperatures.”

Beal explained why it is illegal to transport live fish to new habitats .

“You can imagine why the Department of Fish & Wildlife would not want to have fish moved around miles away. They may be an invasive species. You might put them in a pond with an endangered species. Because these fish are now in a very confined area, pathogens will have spread.” He explained that placing infected fish into a habitat with healthy fish is a bad idea.

“We are in a drought and all the ponds are at a low level everywhere.  All ponds have lost water. They are at carrying capacity everywhere. There is not the habitat to support additional fish.”

Beal explained his typical work at DFW. His expertise is as a fish biologist: “I set stocking allotments. I study fish die-offs, I work on fishing regulation changes, and general management of species like golden trout.”

He also said that he understands the emotions people are experiencing related to the pond drying. “Everyone loves bodies of water. Everyone shared their first kiss near their community pond. I get it. This is emotional. I understand.”

Beal said that it sounds as if this is a drought-related water loss, but does not know the specifics of the area. He said that drying of springs and loss of over 100 ponds has happened throughout the 12 counties he supervises.

“I understand it is painful to watch individual fish dying,” he said.

When the water comes back, Beal said DFW will work with the county and the community to restock the pond with a variety of species of fish.

This is part of the September 2, 2016 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.