Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has been notified of fish deaths at Mallacoota on the Gippsland coast.
EPA was notified by a community member that a few thousand small dead leatherjacket fish (less than 5cm in length) have been washed ashore on Quarry Beach.
While the cause of the incident is unknown at this time, a large number of fish deaths are often due to natural causes, such as a drop in water temperature and low oxygen levels.
EPA understands recent changes in current patterns and significant drops in water temperature along the east coast are likely to have caused the deaths.
EPA is working with its partner agencies to investigate further, and officers from Parks Victoria and Fisheries Victoria are currently visiting the site to assess the site and investigate potential causes, and help determine any further actions.
The community is encouraged to report any pollution to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).