Two metre long fish washes up in Chichester Harbour
It's normally found further down the South Coast
A two metre long Atlantic Bluefin tuna fish has washed up dead in Chichester Harbour.
The endangered species, which weighed almost 180kg, was found at Thorney Island Sailing Club.
The discovery could be a sign our waters are becoming healthier.
Tim Dapling, of Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said: "This is a very unusual and positive event in terms of fisheries, the marine environment and the presence of a key species.
"Although it is a pity the fish was not alive, it is first time we have an encountered at close quarters a Bluefin tuna specimen in Sussex coastal waters.
"There are various reports of Bluefin tuna in the wider channel area and we know they are regularly sighted further to the west off Devon and Cornwall.
"It was a quite remarkable and impressive fish, why it was in Chichester Harbour or came ashore may never be clear, but we do know species such as mackerel and bass are present in numbers within the harbour and perhaps it entered the harbour to feed and became disorientated.
"Presently we have spring tides, and at low water the channels of the harbour can be relatively shallow and narrow.
"A fish of this size and species is used to open sea areas where it can swim unconstrained to hunt prey.
"The adult Bluefin tuna are at the top of the marine food chain and the increasing presence of top predators typically indicates the improving health of ecosystems.
"Of course, this was just one fish, however I’d be surprised if it was the only one in Sussex waters."