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Fish Kill in Buccaneer Lagoon Linked to Fertilizer Runoff

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A fish kill occurred in Buccaneer Lagoon on Fort Myers Beach, due to low oxygen from fertilizer runoff.
On March 12, resident Stephen Clark reported a foul smell and dead fish.
Town officials confirmed non-toxic dinoflagellates and ruled out red tide, and Chadd Chustz, Environmental Project Manager, urged residents to limit fertilizer use and plant native vegetation.
Cleanup began on March 13, and nearly all dead fish were retrieved.

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Story summary

A fish kill occurred in Buccaneer Lagoon on Fort Myers Beach, due to low oxygen from fertilizer runoff.
On March 12, resident Stephen Clark reported a foul smell and dead fish.
Town officials confirmed non-toxic dinoflagellates and ruled out red tide, and Chadd Chustz, Environmental Project Manager, urged residents to limit fertilizer use and plant native vegetation.
Cleanup began on March 13, and nearly all dead fish were retrieved.