Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has today received a report of fish deaths at Ninety Mile Beach on the Gippsland coast.
It’s estimated a few thousand Pilchard fish have been found dead along a 1.5km stretch, near the Loch Sport township.
The cause of the fish deaths is unknown at this stage and EPA officers will visit the site today to investigate potential causes, and determine the need for samples and clean-up.
While the cause is yet to be determined, a large number of fish deaths are due to natural causes, such as a change in weather conditions, water temperature and low oxygen levels.
EPA is working with its partner agencies to examine the fish deaths and to identify the cause.
The community is reminded not to eat dead or dying fish, and is encouraged to report any pollution to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1800 EPA VIC).