Toxins in endangered suckers add hurdle to restoring fish at center of Klamath water fights

Algae toxins found in endangered fish in Klamath

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Toxins from a blue-green algae plaguing lakes and rivers around the West have been found in endangered fish in the Klamath Basin, adding another obstacle to restoring species that have forced irrigation shutoffs for farmers.

U.S. Geological Survey fish biologist Scott VanderKooi (VAN-der-koy) said Wednesday they have found the toxin in the damaged livers of young Lost River and shortnosed suckers in Upper Klamath Lake.

The lake is the main irrigation reservoir for more than 1,000 farms in the upper Klamath Basin. A drought in 2001 forced irrigation cutbacks to keep enough water in the lake for the endangered fish.

Health warnings prompted by blooms of the algae microsystin have been increasing across the West, including 21 this year in Oregon.