As part of a Sea Grant funded project, we are forecasting moderately low mean oxygen levels for the Neuse Estuary this summer (July-August).  The forecast is based on moderate estuary flushing over the winter and early spring, and moderate streamflow conditions (and nutrient load) in May.  Forecasted oxygen levels are conducive to fish kills, though meteorological variability make such events difficult to predict in advance.  The following Sea Grant post shows the 2020 forecast as well as a retrospective assessment of least year’s forecast.

Midsummer Neuse River Forecast Shows Greater Potential for Fish Kills