She has tried to get cleanup efforts under way, but neither the city nor the county will claim responsibility for the land. Private-property owners are responsible for cleaning up dead fish on their property, while cities and counties are responsible for their property, said David Bazylak, Destin city environmental officer. Residents are encouraged to use gloves when handling fish. Dead fish can be buried or double-bagged and topped with newspaper, and set out with trash. People should be careful not to step on them.
Fish bones can puncture sneakers.
Dead fish also harbor bacteria that can be harmful if it enters a wound. It will take at least a week for the fish to decompose naturally. We have to wait until they wash up on the beach.