Dozens of dead sea animals found ashore at Eight Mile Creek in the state’s South-East

Dozens of dead sea creatures have been discovered washed ashore at Eight Mile Creek in the state’s South-East, puzzling both locals and authorities.

More than 60 wobbegong sharks, stingrays, crabs, snapper, sea urchins, sea slugs and crayfish have washed ashore a beach at Eight Mile Creek. Picture: Facebook.

A large number of dead sea animals have been found washed ashore across several kilometres of beach at Eight Mile Creek, 24 kilometres south of Mount Gambier.

Reportedly more than 60 wobbegong sharks, stingrays, crabs, snapper, sea urchins, sea slugs and crayfish have washed ashore over the last two days, baffling locals and tourists who say they’ve never seen anything like it.

The carcases can be found along several kilometres of beach at Eight Mile Creek. Picture: Limestone Coast Community News

PIRSA are investigating the cause of the mass deaths. Picture: Limestone Coast Community News

Initial reports by PIRSA suggest low saline levels could be responsible for the mass casualties. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) have been notified of the incident and are investigating.

A PIRSA spokesperson said the preliminary report indicated low saline levels could be responsible for the mass casualties.

“The cause has not yet been confirmed, however early indications based on water testing are that low salinity caused by recent high rainfall is the most likely reason for the fish mortality event,” they said.

“PIRSA have collected tissue samples to rule out aquatic diseases and testing is underway.

“In general fish kill events can be brought on by a variety of causes including environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall (or lack of), and water quality including salinity or oxygen levels, or by disease or pollutants.”

If people notice something unusual involving dead or dying fish along any waterways or the coast they can call FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.