Beachgoers have been taken aback by the sight of schools of dead fish on Sunshine Coast beaches, in the days following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Large numbers of what appear to be leatherjacket fish have been observed along the coastline.
Local Ricki Wohl was among those to see them on Friday.
“There were literally thousands of dead leatherjacket fish washed ashore along the whole length of Peregian Beach,” she said.
“They could have got stranded by a freak wave.
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“It just seems strange that it was only leatherjackets.
“Hopefully, the incoming tide washes them out, so it doesn’t stink up the beach later.
“There were no crabs around to make the most of this meal. There were a pair of resident ospreys hovering around but they didn’t seem to be interested in the fish, which is strange.”
Wendi Rampton added: “I’ve been seeing those little fish washed up dead since the cyclone: such a shame”.
Peter Morris suggested the creatures had been “bashed around in the cyclonic swell”.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the wild weather could have pushed them ashore.
“There have been some reports of leatherjacket fish washing up on beaches in South-East Queensland,” they said.
“The reasons for strandings can vary.
“Environmental factors such as changes in water temperature, pollution or natural events like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can contribute to leatherjackets and other fish species washing up on shore.”
There were hundreds of them at Stumers Creek at Coolum Beach last week.
The spokesperson provided some details about the fish and urged locals to steer clear.
“Leatherjackets, which belong to the family Monacanthidae, are commonly found in Australian waters and are known for their tough, leathery skin and distinctive spine,” they said.
“It’s best to leave the fish alone as they form part of the natural ecosystem and will become essential food for our coastal birds of prey and crustaceans.”
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to the University of Sunshine Coast and the Department of Fisheries for more information.
