Hundreds of eels and fish found dead in Canterbury stream

Hundreds of eels and fish have been killed in a north Christchurch stream from an unknown contamination.

Stuff reports the fish were found in the Kaputone Creek in Belfast on Wednesday, with eels making up the majority of the dead creatures.

The dead fish were close to a Silver Fern Farms plant, who have said they were unaware of the dead fish and had not been contacted by Environment Canterbury (ECan).

There was no evidence to suggest any contamination from the meat processing facility.

There are also two water bottling plants nearby to the stream.

ECan local acting zone manager Steve Firth told Stuff it was possible the contaminant came through the storm water network or that someone dumped something into the stream.

Water samples have been taken and results will take at least two days.

People are advised to keep out of the stream and keep pets away from it, and anyone with information can call ECan on 0800 765 588.