Thousands of fish beached in mackerel feeding frenzy
Thousands of baitfish beached themselves on Sidmouth's shingle at the weekend - Credit: Archant
Beach-goers thought something fishy was going on when thousands of whitebait beached themselves onto the shingle at the weekend.
Witnesses took to social media with photos and videos of the small swimmers ‘going mad’ – a common phenonemon caused by the fish being chased by feeding mackerel, according to the National Marine Aquarium.
It was also reported on Branscombe’s beach, and was followed by complaints of a fishy stink.
The odour even prompted some complaints to the town council.
Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “Unfortunately, due to their size and numbers, there are far too many to clear away as many are covered by the mobile shingle.
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“The smell will take a little while to go and a good downpour would certainly help to dissipate it.”
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