Jersey Shore town suffers from stink raised by thousands of dead fish

Something is rotten in New Jersey, specifically in a coastal town called Little Egg Harbor.

Thousands of dead fish have been floating in the water near homes and businesses in the area, filling lagoons and attracting flocks of seagulls.

A study by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife found that high fish mortality in Little Egg Harbor lagoon is due to water quality.

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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told FOX 29 Philadelphia in a statement that “staff determined that poor water quality due to increased temperatures and reduced dissolved oxygen in the lagoon contributed to the mass fish kill in the lagoon.”

“Fish and Wildlife Service personnel have determined that this was an isolated incident and that most of the dead fish will likely be naturally removed from the lagoon by tides and currents,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, residents near the Little Egg Harbor lagoon are staying indoors to avoid the smell.

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“It’s obviously unhealthy. I can’t go outside. I can’t breathe. I really can’t be outside for more than 10 minutes,” Little Egg Harbor Township resident Joseph DiGrande told FOX29 Philadelphia.

The fish kill has also attracted seagulls to the area, who in the wild are known to eat dead and dying seals and fish.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection cited rising water temperatures and low oxygen levels as the cause of the “isolated incident” of fish kills in Little Egg Harbor. (amazing)

Another resident told FOX 29: “The birds are also a problem. Now everything is covered in bird droppings and feathers and it’s even dirtier.”

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It’s unclear how long it will take for the dead fish to be washed away by the natural tides.