You may see dead or dying striped bass in Lake Murray over the next few weeks.

Biologists with the SC Department of Natural Resources say summer striped bass die-offs are associated with heat and oxygen.

At Lake Murray, this type of fish kill occurs during the latter part of the summer and varies in magnitude.

Each summer Lake Murray becomes stratified into several water layers that have cooler temperatures as you go deeper and various levels of dissolved oxygen, which fish need to survive.

During the early summer months, striped bass concentrate at depths containing the best balance between cool water and oxygen levels.

As temperatures in the upper layer rise some fish seek deeper, cooler water. As the oxygen levels in the deepest layer are depleted, fish will die.

Live-caught fish are safe to eat, despite the die-off.

Those who are fishing for striped bass should abide by the special summer regulations.

Through Sept. 30, it is unlawful to take more than 5 striped bass a day.

Anglers are encouraged to keep their legal catch as most striped bass will not survive catch and release.