FREEPORT, Texas – Thousands of dead fish are washing ashore at Bryan Beach in Freeport, Texas.
The Menhaden fish were spotted on Friday by the Quintana Beach County Park.
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Officials said there are several reasons the animals are dying. One of these is because the water is too warm. Cooler water holds more oxygen for the fish.
The park said shallow water also warms up faster, and if water is hotter than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then this can cause breathing problems for fish.
More oxygen is also created in the water when there are waves. The sea has been calm inshore for the past three weeks, and there have been very few waves.
Officials said cloudy skies have affected the production of oxygen in the ocean. This is because more sunshine helps increase photosynthesis, which creates oxygen.
People should stay clear of Bryan Beach or the nearby areas for now.
Crews are expecting to clean the Quintana pedestrian beach on Sunday and the public beach the following day.