close
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.
Thousands of tons of dead sardines have washed up on a beach in northern Japan for unknown reasons, officials said Friday.
The sardines and some mackerel washed ashore in Hakodate on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido on Thursday morning, creating a sliver blanket along a stretch of beach about a 0.6 mile long.
Local residents said they have never seen anything like it. Some gathered the fish to sell or eat.
TEXAS GULF COAST BEACH COVERED AS THOUSANDS OF DEAD MENHADEN FISH WASH ASHORE
The town, in a notice posted on its website, urged residents not to consume the fish.
Sardines and mackerels are seen washed up on a beach in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan on Dec. 7, 2023. Thousands of tons of dead sardines have washed up on a beach in northern Japan for unknown reasons, officials said Friday. (Kyodo News via AP)
Takashi Fujioka, a Hakodate Fisheries Research Institute researcher, said he has heard of similar phenomena before, but it was his first time to see it.
He said the fish may have been chased by larger fish, become exhausted due to a lack of oxygen while moving in a densely packed school, and were washed up by the waves. The fish also may have suddenly entered cold waters during their migration, he said.
RARE FISH THAT LIVES THOUSANDS OF FEET UNDER THE OCEAN WASHES ASHORE IN CALIFORNIA STATE PARK
The decomposing fish could lower oxygen levels in the water and affect the marine environment, he said.
“We don’t know for sure under what circumstances these fish were washed up, so I do not recommend” eating them, Fujioka said.
President-elect Donald Trump unleashed a slew of nominations on Sunday night, naming several new people…
President-elect Trump on Sunday named Callista Gingrich, wife to former Speaker of the House Newt…
China has warned the U.S. that it is making "dangerous moves" by providing Taiwan with…
close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…
close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 22 Fox News Flash top headlines…
close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…