Thousands of fish wash up on Shelly Beach at Opossum Bay

Authorities said the reason behind the masses of dead fish on a popular beach is “not unusual”, despite longstanding locals never having witnessed the phenomenon. PHOTOS>>

THE sight of thousands of fish washed up on a beach at Opossum Bay has alarmed locals – however the Environment Department says the event is likely a natural phenomenon.

Pamella Richardson, who lives on the waterfront near the boat ramp, described the scene as “gut-wrenching”.

“I was devastated, we’re animal lovers,” she said.

“There are thousands of them. All the way from the boat ramp to the rocky point on Shelly Beach”

“It is only one variety of fish, all about the same size. I have no idea why it happened or what caused it.”

Opossum Bay resident Pamella Richardson after fish were found washed up on Shelly Beach. Picture Chris Kidd

A spokeswoman for the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment said DPIPWE was aware of the fish washed up at the beach.

“The fish are believed to be blue sprats, similar to sardines. It is not unusual to get periodic strandings of some small pelagic species such as these. They may be chasing feed, or can get caught by the wind or waves,” the spokeswoman said.

Fish were found washed up on Shelly Beach, Opossum Bay. Picture Chris Kidd

Ms Richardson said many locals had already been down to the beach to collect some of the dead fish for fertiliser.

She said she feared what their carcasses would do to the “gorgeous” environment in the area.

“We’ve lived down here for almost 18 years and we’ve never seen anything like this,” Ms Richardson said.

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“The stench will be unbearable in a few days.”

Ms Richardson said there were “dozens” of dolphins in the bay at the moment, but did not know if the two things were linked.