The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation are responding to reports of dead crabs in the Peel Harvey Estuary in South Yunderup.
In responding to the initial report received from the public on Wednesday 20 December approximately 3,600 dead juvenile crabs were found at the high tide mark on the shoreline of earth bund, which separates the South Yunderup canal estate from the estuary.
The bay area in which the crab kill occurred is a large expanse of very shallow water and it is likely the combination of low tides, which are common this time of year, and hot weather have impacted water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels - causing the death of crabs in the area.
Members of the public are advised not to collect or eat the dead crabs.
The department will continue to maintain a watching brief and is encouraging the public to use the FishWatch Hotline 1800 815 507 to report further incidents.