Thousands of dead fish have washed up on a beach in northern Japan.
This bizarre incident took place on Thursday in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost main island, and spanned about half a mile of coastline.
The exact cause of this incident is unknown, but Takashi Fujioka, a researcher at the Hakodate Fisheries Research Institute, suggests that the fish became exhausted while fleeing larger predators.
Fujioka speculated that a lack of oxygen in the densely packed group made up of mostly sardines and mackerel may have been a factor in their mass beaching.
According to Mr Fujioka, the occurrence corresponds with sardine migration southward, and the fish may have entered cold waters abruptly.
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He noted that the decomposition of the fish could reduce oxygen levels in the water, affecting the marine ecosystem.
City officials have been seen inspecting the site and attempting to collect the fish for testing.
Residents meanwhile have reportedly ignored warnings and collected the stricken fish for sale or consumption.
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Mr Fujioka said: “One possible cause is that the school of fish was chased by a larger fish, became exhausted, and was washed up by the waves.
“Another possible cause is that the school of fish entered cold waters during their migration and were then washed ashore. But details are uncertain.”
He added: “We don’t know for sure under what circumstances these fish were washed up, so I do not recommend eating them.”
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