Authorities are investigating the cause of mass deaths of marine life in the Brisbane River.
Key points:
- The deaths follow heavy rain that caused flash flooding in the Queensland's south-east
- The Department of Environment is investigating the source of what it described as "contamination"
- Residents and fishers are urged to stay clear and not to touch or eat any of the dead animals
Dead fish and mud crabs were found along the river's banks on Wednesday morning.
West End resident Jenne Roberts said the sight of the animals was "unusual" and concerning.
"After the 2022 floods, there was definitely nothing like this," she said.
"I talked to another man who was aghast, who was here for the 2011 floods, and he said he'd never seen anything like it either."
Ms Roberts told ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast that she spotted the animals while walking along the riverfront this morning.
"I've never seen mud crabs this big," she said.
"They were old crabs — it's really sad."
Ms Roberts said she found at least 50 dead crabs along the West End riverbank, between Orleigh Park pontoon and the West End ferry terminal.
The bodies of fish have also been seen floating down the middle of the river.
Loading...Department investigating
The ABC received reports of a "large oil or fuel spill" making its way down the river on Tuesday afternoon.
Queensland's Department of Environment is yet to confirm the cause of the marine deaths.
"[The Department] is aware of the situation and is investigating the source of the contamination," a spokesperson said.
"Significant pollution events [such as] from a commercial source, or for fish kills, can be reported to the department on 1300 130 372."
The discoveries come after 350 millimetres of rain fell across Brisbane and caused flash flooding in Ipswich and Moreton Bay.
Fishers and residents are warned to stay clear potentially contaminated sites and to not touch or eat the dead animals.
Kookaburras have been spotted gobbling up worms near the carcasses.