PORTLAND (AP) — State officials say red tide killed a number of endangered sturgeon that were found floating in the Kennebec River last July.

Officials say it was the first recorded case along the coast of Maine of fish being killed by toxic red tide.

Scientists say 14 Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, an endangered species, were found dead.

The Portland Press Herald says the die-off took place during the most intense red tide outbreak on record. Officials suspect the fish ate contaminated shellfish.

Test results released Friday said high levels of red tide toxins were found in some of the fish.