Massive Fish Kill Hits Texas Gulf Coast Beaches.
Thousands of dead fish, mostly Gulf menhaden, washed up on the shores of southeast Texas due to a "low dissolved oxygen event" caused by a combination of warm water, calm seas, and cloudy skies. While fish kills are common in the summer, rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are a concern. Gulf menhaden serve as a food source for over 32 predators and filter feeders, and their massive die-off could provide a nutrient pulse to the environment. However, disruptions to the ecosystem and fishing industry are also possible.