Depending on the cause and magnitude, the DNR Legal Bureau may assign restitution, investigative costs, and/or penalities to the responsible party.
If you believe a fish kill has occurred, immediately contact the nearest Iowa DNR Field Office or Fisheries Office.
You should have available the name of the stream, the location of the kill, and any other conditions or observations that may aid in the investigation of the cause and source of the kill.
Do not touch the water or remove any dead fish.
515-725-8694
24-hour Environmental Reporting Hotline
One or more fish kills on a waterbody can affect the water quality assessment of the waterbody. As described in DNR's current methodology for water quality assessments, the occurrence of two or more unresolved pollutant-caused fish kills, or fish kills of unknown origin, on a waterbody during a five-year assessment period could lead to an aquatic life use impairment.
Fish kills caused by a one-time illegal, or unauthorized release of manure, or other toxic substances will be addressed through the DNR Legal Bureau's enforcement procedures. In addition, fish kills determined to be caused by natural phenomena will be used for water quality assessments but will not lead to impairment.