![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/Dead-fish-have-washed-up-along-the-coast-of-Japan-in-their-thousands-5106335.jpg?r=1702057497782\")
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Thousands of dead fish have washed up on a beach in northern Japan.<\/p>\n
This bizarre incident took place on Thursday in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost main island, and spanned about half a mile of coastline.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to Mr Fujioka, the occurrence corresponds with sardine migration southward, and the fish may have entered cold waters abruptly.<\/p>\n
Read More: <\/strong> Japan opens ‘city within a city’ supertall skyscraper rivalling the Eiffel Tower[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n He noted that the decomposition of the fish could reduce oxygen levels in the water, affecting the marine ecosystem.<\/p>\n City officials have been seen inspecting the site and attempting to collect the fish for testing.<\/p>\n Residents meanwhile have reportedly ignored warnings and collected the stricken fish for sale or consumption.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n “Another possible cause is that the school of fish entered cold waters during their migration and were then washed ashore. But details are uncertain.”<\/p>\n He added: “We don\u2019t know for sure under what circumstances these fish were washed up, so I do not recommend eating them.”<\/p>\n
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