(GULF SHORES, Ala.) Dozens of dead fish are washing up on local beaches. Reports came in of dead fish on Fairhope Beach on Saturday, and the same from Gulf Shores the following day.
"There were like 50 or 60 all around," said Cameron Bullock.
Bullock and his family have spent the weekend fishing on Gulf State Pier. He said each day they've spotted dead fish floating in the water and washing up on shore.
"There was like white foam around it," he said.
While it's an unpleasant sight for beachgoers, biologists say this fish kill is natural. It's due in part to the recent soaring temperatures.
"Warm weather equals warm water, which equals low oxygen in the water," said biologist Karon Aplin.
Aplin was down at Gulf Shores Tuesday studying the fish. She says they're bay anchovies, a species that is particularly sensitive to low oxygen levels.
"They can't really tolerate that very well," she says.
Aplin said fish kills happen from time to time and pose no health risk. If it continues for several weeks, that's when they'll investigate further.
"That's when we would probably start taking water samples and send them up to the health department for testing," she said.
While the dead fish aren't dangerous, Aplin suggests washing your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with them.
