Undoubtedly, a certain amount of fish dies, but this is nothing compared to the consequences of an explosion caused by explosives thrown into the water.
First of all, contrary to what is shown in movies about pirates and brave seafarers, thunderstorms over the ocean are quite a rare phenomenon. The farther from the shore, the less likely a lightning strike will hit the water surface. This is confirmed by maps of thunderstorm intensity compiled from satellite data.
Secondly, saltwater, unlike air, is an excellent conductor of electricity. When lightning strikes, the powerful charge dissipates quickly, primarily on the surface, penetrating only slightly deeper. Since fish generally inhabit greater depths, the likelihood that a lightning strike will harm them is extremely low.
However, this does not apply to marine animals and people on the surface. Swimming during a thunderstorm poses a tremendous risk.
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