Frenchman's Bay sunfish deaths a mystery

Scientists from the Department of Fisheries are investigating why hundreds of sunfish have washed up on beaches around Albany over the past week.

About 150 sunfish were discovered washed up at Frenchman’s Bay and 80 at Goode Beach last week, while fisheries officers have also had a report of 250 fish washed up at Cheynes Beach.

At this stage the exact cause of the fish deaths are not known as it is proving difficult to study them.

Department of Fisheries senior fish pathologist Brian Jones said no useful samples could be taken from the dead fish as they were too degraded.

“If the department is able to obtain fish kill samples early enough, the greater chance there is of accurately identifying the cause,” Dr Jones said.

“Our fisheries officers in Albany are assisting with that task.”

There have been reports of dead sunfish washing ashore on the south coast for the past few years, with dead fish found at Whalers Cove and on Cheynes Beach in May last year.

The recurrence has raised speculation it could be a natural phenomenon, with the fish – usually found in tropical and subtropical waters – being carried south by a strong Leeuwin current.

People who find sunfish on local beaches are asked to report it to Fishwatch on 1800 815 507.

Sunfish can grow up to 90cm long, are an oval shape with silver skin and darker spots and stripes, with large eyes.

toyah.shakespeare@albanyadvertiser.com