Tests indicate water quality conditions are within healthy ranges, and tests for Pfiesteria are negative. Spring 1997 Pocomoke River watermen report finding lesioned fish in their catches from the lower river. DNR institutes a monthly fish monitoring program on the River through October 1997. Samples collected by DNR for Pfiesteria identification test negative. Water sample collected from the Shelltown area by a Washington area television station tests positive for Pfiesteria in Dr. JoAnn Burkholders lab.
Watermen continue to report incidences of lesioned fish.
MDE evaluates historical data for fish tissue collected on the Pocomoke River and analyzes for chemical contaminants. Analysis of historic and recently collected samples reveals no chemical contamination. June 1997 DNR institutes intensive longitudinal water quality monitoring of 21 stations from the Pocomoke Sound to Snow Hill. Stations are monitored every 2-3 weeks until the end of October, 1997. Laboratory aquaria fish kills by Pfiesteria at Academy of Natural Sciences Research Center on St. Leonard Creek, Patuxent River.