UPDATE: What do you do with hundreds of thousands of dead fish?

KEANSBURG -- Thousands of small fish, typically used for bait, have washed up in Keansburg over the last few days, leaving some seaside areas smelling quite unpleasant.

"We believe they were likely chased into the creek by either bluefish or skates," Bob Considine, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said in an email.

The agency believes the washed-up fish, called peanut bunker, which are only a few inches in length, died due to low dissolved oxygen levels. Although the Waackaack Creek and nearby bodies of water are tidal, Considine said the water can become stagnant.

Considine said it's tough to estimate the number of dead fish, but the count is "likely" in the hundreds of thousands. Many have gone out with the tide or have been eaten by birds, he said.

There was a similar, smaller fish kill last week, according to the agency.

Any cleanup would be the municipality's responsibility, Considine said.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.