Port St. Lucie residents recently reported a massive fish kill in the Elkcam Waterway, a tributary of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Thousands of fish, including carp and other large species, were found dead, prompting concerns among local homeowners about potential environmental and health impacts.

Massive Fish Kill Reported by Port St. Lucie Residents

Residents along the Elkcam Waterway first noticed the fish kill around June 18, 2025. According to local homeowner Marcia Gillings of Southeast Whitmore Drive, the scale of the fish kill is unprecedented in her 40-plus years living in the area.

“Every year, they spray for invasive weeds and mosquitoes, but I’ve never seen fish die like I did the last day and a half,” Gillings told TCPalm.

Herbicide Spraying Linked to Fish Kill in Port St. Lucie Canal

The city of Port St. Lucie contracts Riviera Beach-based Aquatic Vegetation Control Inc. (AVC) to maintain the Elkcam Waterway. AVC confirmed to TCPalm that they sprayed herbicides on June 16, 2025, and subsequently removed dead fish from the canal.

However, AVC declined further comment, referring additional questions to city officials. TCPalm has requested public records from the city to independently verify the details of the spraying and the chemicals used.

Residents Demand Transparency from Port St. Lucie Officials

Local residents, including Joshua White of Southeast Fallon Drive, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from city officials regarding the spraying event.

“The city told us they ‘are not sweeping this under the rug,’ but they will not be notifying residents along the canal about what took place,” White explained. “I think that they should. This could cause long-term health problems.”

Environmental and Health Concerns Raised by Fish Kill

Gillings and other residents are worried about the potential impacts on wildlife, pets, and residents who rely on well water. Gillings specifically mentioned concerns about her parrots and local wild birds, fish, and other animals.

“We need to know what chemicals and quantities were sprayed,” Gillings emphasized. “The city should notify residents when they plan to spray.”

Safety of Herbicides Questioned by Residents

White expressed skepticism about the safety of the chemicals used, stating, “The herbicide is considered safe when used as directed, but likely not safe at the levels it took to kill off all these fish.”

He added that fish began dying on Tuesday, and by Thursday afternoon, the canal was filled with thousands of dead fish.

Awaiting Official Response from Port St. Lucie

TCPalm continues to await responses from Port St. Lucie city officials regarding the incident. The city has not yet provided details on the chemicals used, the quantities involved, or the potential environmental and health risks associated with the spraying.

Residents remain hopeful that increased transparency and communication from city officials will address their concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Fish Kill

What is causing the fish kill in Port St. Lucie?

The fish kill in Port St. Lucie’s Elkcam Waterway is believed to be linked to herbicide spraying by Aquatic Vegetation Control Inc. The exact chemicals and quantities used are still being investigated.

Are the herbicides used in Port St. Lucie canals safe?

The herbicides are considered safe when properly applied according to guidelines. However, residents are concerned that excessive amounts may have caused the fish kill and could pose health risks.

Can residents be notified before canal spraying in Port St. Lucie?

Currently, the city does not notify residents before spraying canals. Many residents are requesting improved communication to ensure safety and awareness.

How much damage has the fish kill caused in Port St. Lucie?

Thousands of fish, including large species like carp, have died in the Elkcam Waterway. The full environmental impact is still being assessed.

Where is the Elkcam Waterway located in Port St. Lucie?

The Elkcam Waterway is a tributary of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, located near residential neighborhoods such as Southeast Whitmore Drive and Southeast Fallon Drive.

Residents have previously voiced concerns about local waterways, notably advocating for a manatee protection zone in the C-24 Canal. Additionally, there have been calls for boating restrictions to safeguard manatees in the same area.

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In response to ongoing environmental concerns, residents have also been actively advocating for increased manatee protection measures in Port St. Lucie’s waterways.

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