Millions of Dead Fish at LA Beach

Added by Annika L. Krugel on March 10, 2011

A mass death of millions of fish has occurred at a South Los Angeles harbour, the LA times say.

The King Harbour at Redondo Beach in Los Angeles is packed with millions of dead fish, mainly sardines, anchovies and mackerel. “There’s basically fish everywhere you go in the harbour,” said assistant harbour manager Jason McMullin.

Although there is no official statement over the possible causes for the deaths, Mr McMullin told the Times that one plausible explanation would be that the fish had been driven into the confined harbour by an algal bloom, and then suffered oxygen depletion and died as a result of it.

The issue now at hand is to figure out how the fish can be removed. According to the Contra Coast Times, fire, police and public works personnel had attended to the scene.

Redondo Beach Police Department Sergeant, Phil Keenan, told media that it is urgent that the fish is removed from the harbour. “This is going to create a terrible pollution and public health issue if we don’t,” he said.

There are already scores of birds feeding on the dead fish, and authorities fear that the harbour now could become the target of sea lions also wanting a share of the feast.