ISTANBUL

Authorities in Australia have launched a probe after thousands of dead fish were found along beaches in the western parts of the country.

The dead fish cover nearly 9 kilometers (5 miles) of shoreline along the Pilbara coast in Western Australia, according to a state government statement.

Different species of fish including dory, rock cod, puffer, emperor, wrasse, bass, catfish, whiting, triggerfish and damselfish were found among the dead. Samples from the fish were collected for testing.

On Tuesday, piles of dead fish were found along the shores of the Yanyare River.

Local authorities cautioned people visiting the beaches against swimming, fishing, consuming the fish and letting their pets come into contact with the dead fish in any form in the affected areas.

The public has also been warned to not try to handle the fish themselves but rather alert the authorities.