The annual late-summer fish die-off on Lake Murray has begun, so boaters will be seeing plenty of fish carcasses for the next few weeks.

Summer die-offs have occurred at the lake since 1973, with a condition referred to as a “temperature-oxygen squeeze” usually to blame, according to officials with the state Department of Natural Resources.

During hot weather, water in the 47,500-acre late divides into several layers.

The upper layer is the warmest and highest in oxygen. Deeper levels are cooler but contain less oxygen.

Striped bass — the lake’s most popular species for anglers — don’t like warmer water and move to cooler layers lacking enough oxygen for the fish to survive.

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For information about North Carolina fish kills, click here.