Mysterious Appearance Of Fish Investigated

The mysterious appearance of hundreds of dead puffer fish on Wellington beaches is being investigated by Greater Wellington.

The regional council was alerted to the presence of fish on the Seatoun foreshore mid-morning.

Greater Wellington’s resource investigation staff at the scene say around 200 fish have floated in on the tide near Marine Parade towards Fort Dorset in Seatoun. More fish have been found at Worser Bay.

Greater Wellington manager of resource investigation John Sherriff says while it is unclear at this stage why just one species of fish has washed up on the beach, the fish may have been dumped by a trawler. “We are taking water samples and also working with NIWA and Regional Public Health to establish the cause.”

Puffer fish occur naturally in and around Wellington harbour. The fish – sometimes called fugu or globefish – can be poisonous. In Japan they are eaten as a delicacy.

Wellington City Council has been asked to take away the fish and clear up the beach. Greater Wellington staff are currently investigating the extent of the incident, to see if fish are also being washed up at other beaches around the harbour.

In the meantime, John Sherriff says as a precaution people should not go near or touch the fish. Dogs should be kept on leashes and should not be walked on the affected beaches.

Greater Wellington will update media on the situation as new information becomes available.

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