There have been reports of dead fish being found on the NSW South Coast. Photo: Genevieve Jacobs.
CONTENT WARNING: This story contains images that may upset some readers.
A nasty surprise has caught beachgoers off guard on the South Coast, with several reports of dead fish washing ashore.
A witness told Region they saw dead fish covering several kilometres of beach from the southern end of Broulee Beach to nearby Bengello Beach on Monday evening (17 March) on the NSW South Coast.
The beach-goer said the fish appeared to be juvenile leatherjackets.
A witness has told Region they saw dead fish on beaches near Broulee. Photo: Genevieve Jacobs.
There are more than 20 species of leatherjacket found throughout NSW waters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). They are known for having small mouths with beak-like teeth, rough skin and a serrated spine on the tops of their heads.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) said Fisheries NSW officers were investigating reports of dead fish having washed ashore from Lake Conjola to Narooma.
“Current reports are estimating numbers in the hundreds of fish, mostly juvenile leatherjackets, washed up on several South Coast beaches with the cause currently unknown,” they said.
“Samples have been taken to determine the cause of the mortalities and Fisheries NSW officers are continuing to monitor the areas for any further events.”
NSW DPIRD spokesperson says the fish deaths are estimated to be “in the hundreds” across the region’s beaches. Photo: Genevieve Jacobs.
Leatherjackets were among thousands of dead fish that washed ashore in a large fish kill at Wallagoot Lake between Tathra and Merimbula in 2019.
The NSW DPIRD spokesperson asked community members to report any fish deaths or concerning observations by calling Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536.
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