Thousands of bunker, a small fish related to the herring, were stranded and died on the sand at Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack on Thursday morning, likely chased onto land by larger predator fish.

The bunker, also known as menhaden or mossbunker, were about 12 to 15 inches long. They are one of the staple baitfish for gamefish like striped bass, bluefish and bluefin tuna.

Bunker migrate along the northeast coast throughout the year, spawning several times in coastal bays and harbors. They are harvested by the millions for use in fish meal and fish oil dietary supplements.