ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – The fish that washed up along the St. Augustine Beach shoreline that caused a strong odor on Saturday were gone from the area by Monday.
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A family visiting from Atlanta was at the beach on Saturday and said they saw “hundreds” of fish along the shoreline.
A little girl said she possibly stepped on a fish while playing on the beach.
The family said they didn’t smell an odor on Sunday and News4JAX couldn’t smell an odor either.
A spokesperson for the FWC sent News4JAX this statement on Tuesday:
On Monday, June 3, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a report of a potential fish kill at Butler Beach. The caller walked a half mile stretch and counted hundreds of fish and observed sparse groupings outside this area. It was noted that 4 commercial fishing vessels were observed in the area on the evening of May 31. There is some suggestion it might be by-catch related, as it’s not uncommon in this area.
FWC’s scientists monitor and document fish kills and diseases, as well as other aquatic animal health issues and associated environmental events. Resident reports of fish kills are essential for helping guide necessary response efforts. Please report abnormal fish behavior, fish disease, and fish kills to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline by calling 1-800-636-0511.