Thousands of Dead Fish Washed Up on Texas Beaches. Here’s Why

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Getting away to a Texas beach is something many people like to do especially in the summer. But this wasn't an ideal weekend at the beach as visitors got to see and smell thousands to dead, rotting fish washing up on Texas Gulf Coast.

Beginning Friday June 9th, thousands of fish began washing up on Texas beaches, including in Freeport. One visitor, Darrell Schoppe posted a video on Facebook showing dead fish washing up on the beach.

The dead fish continued washing up on Texas beaches Saturday and on Sunday. No word on if fish continue to wash up today. Many people took to social media wondering if there was a spill or leak or something toxic in the water killing the fish. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the answer is no. Instead it's because of warmer temperatures and lack of oxygen as MySanAntonio.com reported.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told MySA that the fish kill was investigated and it was determined to have been caused by a low dissolved oxygen event. A fish kill refers to a localized die-off of fish populations, which may also be associated with more generalized mortality of aquatic life.

Officials said the species most impacted was Gulf menhaden. TPWD added fish kills like on Friday morning are common in the summer when temperatures increase. If there isn't enough oxygen in the water, fish can't breathe. Low dissolved oxygen in many cases is a natural occurrence, officials said.

So it's a natural occurrence, which means after the fish are gone, humans should feel good about getting back on the beach and in the water. Go ahead and keep those vacation plans!