Fish Kill Closes 183 Miles Of Yellowstone R., Tribs To All Recreation

"In an unprecedented move, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is closing 183 miles of the Yellowstone River from Gardiner to Laurel to all water-based recreation — fishing, wading, floating, tubing, boating.

No similar closure based on a disease outbreak has ever occurred in Montana, even when whirling disease was causing fish die-offs across the state in the 1990s.

'This significant action on the part of the department is in response to the ongoing and unprecedented fish kill on the Yellowstone,' FWP said in an email. 'This action is necessary to protect the fishery and the economy it sustains. The closure will also help limit the spread of the parasite to adjacent rivers through boats, tubes, waders and other human contact and minimize further mortality in all fish species.' The parasite is not a threat to humans or animals that consume the dead fish."

Brett French reports for the Billings Gazette August 19, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Montana Officials Close Yellowstone River To Fight Fish-Killing Parasite" (NPR)

"Yellowstone Fish Deaths: 183 Miles Of River Closed To Halt Spread Of Parasite" (AP)