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Mystery surrounds Australian eel deaths

Feb 02 ,General Science


Australian scientists say they are baffled by the mass deaths of thousands of eels for the second consecutive summer in Victoria.

Thousands of dead eels have been found during the past month, washed ashore or slithering out of the water before perishing, The Age reported Thursday.

The deaths are being investigated by EPA Victoria. EPA Science Manager Tony Robinson told The Age the waterways did not appear polluted and other aquatic life was not affected. Robinson, however, said scientists suspect a link with high temperatures and drought conditions Australia has experienced.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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