Dead fish stink up Daytona Beach Shores beaches

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES – Beachgoers said they've seen dead fish along the beaches, and it's not just the fish, but the strong fishy smell that concerns them.

"We took a walk on the beach this morning and there were three cowfish lying on the beach," said Chris Kenyon.

Another resident who lives in Daytona Beach Shores said she saw tons of dead fish last Wednesday.

"Fish just started washing up and it was all different types. Looked like there was snook and there were reds. I'm a Florida native, born in this area in Volusia County, never had that experience," said Pam.

Folks also noticed the strong smell.

"It's awful. You can smell it from the balcony over on the condos," said Kenyon.

"It's like a dead fishy kind of smell. Just nasty. Kind of like swamp mixed with dead fish," said Savannah Godwin.

"I've never smelled something like that," said Shelley Kenyon.

News 6 called Florida Fish and Wildlife to find out what's going on.

"It could be natural, it could be anthropogenic. Some natural types of events that we see are low dissolved oxygen which can come from algae bloom. Anthropogenic causes net dumps where fisherman release unwanted fish they catch," said Lauren Partridge, a biological scientist.

As far as the fishy odor, Partridge said it's usually the result of an algae bloom but won't know until the water is tested.  FWC will be sending biologists to test the water Tuesday morning.

If you've noticed dead fish, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or call 800-636-0511.