EPA Victoria is investigating reports of widespread fish deaths along the Gippsland coast.
EPA Acting Director of Environmenal Regulation Elizabeth Radcliffe said the fish appear to be predominantly from one species.
“The majority of the fish were identified as juvenile Leather Jackets although some Trevally were also found,” Ms Radcliffe said.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and Parks Victoria advise the area affected is from Seaspray to Marlo at this stage.
“It’s likely that hundreds of fish have washed up along the coastline,” Ms Radcliffe said.
A fish sample collected by a community member will be provided to DEPI for analysis.
EPA is investigating possible causes for the incident such as sudden changes in weather and water temperature, algae, pollution, disease or commercial fishing.
Suspected fish deaths should be reported to the EPA Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842.
If reporting a fish death, please attempt to provide the following information:
location of the incident, mentioning which waterway is involved
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time of the incident
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whether the fish are dead or merely affected
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approximate number of dead fish and whether they are fresh or decomposing
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whether other fauna are affected
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condition of the waterway (flow, colour, odour etc).