Ocean heatwave likely killed 30,000 fish off Western Australia coast, government says

A marine heatwave off Western Australia's Pilbara coast resulted in a fish kill spanning 9km, with an estimated 30,000 fish washed up near Gnoorea Point. The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) reported that water temperatures were 31C, 2-3C above normal, contributing to prolonged thermal stress. Concerns are raised about potential damage to local ecosystems, including Ningaloo reef and Exmouth Gulf. Residents have expressed distress over the incident, noting significant temperature changes in their local waters. Marine heatwaves pose a serious risk to marine life, lasting from days to months.

Marine heatwaves can last from days to months, causing devastating impacts on marine ecosystems. The recent fish kill may be linked to prolonged thermal stress.

Prolonged thermal stress due to marine heatwave conditions has likely caused the massive fish kill along Western Australia's Pilbara coast, impacting local ecosystems.

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