Thousands of tons of dead fish have washed up on the shores of Hokkaido, Japan, in recent days.
The city of Hakodate and Hokkaido Prefecture are investigating the cause of the die-off and are considering how to dispose of the thousands of tons of dead fish.
According to the city of Hakodate, an official went to the scene after receiving a report. He found tons of dead fish covering more than 1 kilometer of beach near the fishing port.
A 65-year-old local fisherman told The Japan News, “I’ve seen fish die from lack of oxygen offshore, but this is the first time I’ve seen so many fish wash up on shore.”
The Asahi Shimbun reported that local officials estimate that at least 1,000 tons of mostly sardines and some mackerel have washed up on shore, but the number could be higher.
Local officials confirmed that they will be working with fishermen to clean up the area starting on December 9. The city of
