'Biggest fish kill we've ever had'

MEXICO BEACH — Crews might need until the end of Friday to unclog Mexico Beach Canal of fish likely killed by a toxic red tide algae bloom on Tuesday.

Mexico Beach Mayor Al Cathey said the cleanup, which began on Wednesday, would be long and intensive because workers have had to remove the fish by hand with nets since machinery can’t fit in the canal. Meanwhile, the dead fish and the possible threat of more from another red tide has Cathey and some tourism advocates worried about a drop in visitors to the city and their wallets.

“This is probably the biggest fish kill we’ve ever had in our canal,” Cathey said. “I’ve been here all my life and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wednesday report, medium concentrations of Karenia brevis, the algae responsible for red tide, were detected in Bay County near Mexico Beach.  Medium concentrations of red tide are enough to kill fish and cause respiratory irritation.

The algae was also detected offshore in other parts of Northwest Florida, including Okaloosa, Walton, and Gulf counties.

Three-day forecasts for Northwest Florida predict minimal transport of surface waters and northeastern movement of subsurface waters from Escambia to western Gulf counties, the report states.

But on Wednesday, the red tide could still be felt in Mexico Beach.

“You can smell the fish stench, but you can tell the red tide is present, especially if you have respiratory issues,” Cathey said.

Cathey said the city has limited manpower and had to rely on a crew of 16 inmates from the Bay County Jail to remove fish on Wednesday.

“They were picking them up and dropping them in cans and buckets, then dumping them in backhoes,” Cathey said. “We talked to people who have equipment, but they can’t get into our canal.”

Cathey said the fish were being dumped in a nearby pit dug on city property. Based on the work done Wednesday, the cleanup might not be finished until the end of Friday, he said.

“This is a massive endeavor,” Cathey said.

Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said he’d continue to lend the inmates, usually used to clean streets, to Mexico Beach for the next few days.

“We’re working with them to help them out,” Ford said. “This is kind of a unique situation.”

Cathey noted that, besides the inmates, the city would have workers from a private company help with the cleanup on Thursday and Friday. He said the Mexico Beach Community Development Council would pay for the workers.

“We are being proactive in our efforts to clean up the fish kills on the beach and in the canal,” said Kimberly Shoaf, president of the development council, tasked with promoting tourism in the city. “We’re taking all measures we can — the cleanup effort is our top priority.”

Shoaf said she’s concerned about how the latest fish kills and possible future kills from persistent red tide could slow tourism.

“We’ve been filtering a good number of calls and emails the last couple of weeks and it’s gotten heavier today because of the reporting of fish kills,” Shoaf said on Wednesday. “People are asking if it’s safe and if they need to make alternate plans.”

Cathey said he was also worried about tourism in his city.

“October is a pretty month and there’s nothing more unsightly than walking down the canal and seeing dead fish,” Cathey said. “It certainly can affect the economy.”