Unidentified dead marine species, such as octopuses and sharks, have been found washed up on South Australian beaches.
The sight of a large number of fish corpses strewn across Eight Mile Creek, southeast of Mount Gambier, startled the locals.
Authorities also discovered snapper, wrasse, octopuses, Port Jackson sharks, stingrays, salmon, and ling in addition to the majority of wobbegong sharks.
The teams from the state’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions stated that they are investigating the death’s cause.
“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,” stated a spokeswoman.
“PIRSA have collected tissue samples to rule out aquatic diseases and testing is underway.”
A representative for the agency continued by saying that these occurrences are typically caused by a number of variables, such as temperature, rainfall or lack thereof, water quality, illness, or contaminants.
If locals spot anything strange concerning dead or dying fish near any rivers or the coast, they are advised to contact FishWatch at 1800 065 522.
