9-12-2023 (TOKYO) A peculiar event unfolded on Thursday, December 7, as a sandy beach in Hakodate, Hokkaido, transformed overnight into a silver spectacle, covered by heaps of dead sardines washed ashore.
The silver “blanket” reportedly spanned approximately 1.5 km along the shoreline near a fishing port in the city. The cause behind this mysterious phenomenon remains elusive, prompting local authorities to commence cleanup efforts and issue advisories against consuming the fish.
Thousands of sardines and mackerel were found on the beach near Toi fishing port on the morning of December 7, with officials estimating the combined weight of the corpses to be at least 1,000 tons, though the actual weight could potentially be higher.
Despite efforts by a local researcher to shed light on the situation, the exact explanation remains unclear. One theory proposes that the fish might have been deprived of oxygen while being pursued by larger fish, while another suggests the possibility of the fish entering cold waters during migration, resulting in their weakened state.
Given the mysterious circumstances surrounding the fish appearing on the beach, the researcher cautioned against consuming them. Authorities echoed this sentiment, warning locals not to partake in the fish, citing concerns about sand contamination.
Despite these warnings, some residents reportedly disregarded official advice. Japan Today reported instances of locals venturing out to collect the stranded fish, either for sale or consumption.
Cleanup operations commenced on Saturday, December 9, with authorities considering the incineration of the substantial piles of fish. As the community grapples with this enigmatic event, questions persist about the underlying causes and potential implications for marine life in the region.
Hokkaido, Japan. A large number of dead fish washed up on the beach by the waves, picked up and sold by local fishermen.???? pic.twitter.com/0xUruXLoD4
— ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) December 7, 2023
