Strange weather blamed for fish deaths

Strange weather has been blamed for killing thousands of fish in Massachusetts.

Dead smelt are littering the shores of Onota Lake in Pittsfield.

Biologist Andrew Madden said only one species of fish being involved suggests a natural cause rather than pollution.

The Western District aquatic biologist with the state division of fisheries and wildlife said the fish suffer a high mortality rate after spawning in the spring. This spring was sandwiched between late-thawing ice and early summer heat.

"The spawning season was probably a short and stressful thing," Mr Madden said. "In my judgement, we're looking at a natural situation."