Report a Fish Kill

If you think you've discovered a fish kill, please call SCDNR's 24-hour number at 1-800-922-5431.

Helpful observations and information to report when you call include:

The SCDNR contact line will collect your information and a Fisheries Biologist will return your call to discuss your observations.

Do you think that the fish kill is the result of an oil or other chemical spill?

South Carolina's waterways provide drinking water, electricity, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is tasked with regulating water quality and use.  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is responsible for:

When fish kills occur, SCDNR works together with SCDHEC in determining the cause of the kill and SCDNR estimating the extent and economic value of the loss to the state's natural resources. Fish kills can be caused by various factors, some of which are natural and some of which can be harmful to humans. These factors include:

Many of these factors occur naturally, besides the obvious pollutants, but others may be exacerbated by human related activities such as improper herbicide or fertilizer applications or excessive nutrient loaded discharge from industry or stormwater runoff from nearby livestock operations.