‘Thousands’ of fish are killed in ‘pit of death’ fishing lake after ‘pollutant entered the water’ and caused oxygen levels to suddenly drop
- Locals have described seeing the struggling fish as ‘harrowing’
Desperate attempts are being made to save ‘thousands’ of fish who are currently residing in a ‘pit of death’ after oxygen levels tumbled in a Lake in Wiltshere.
The Environmental Agency were called to Peatmoor Lake, a popular fishing venue in Swindon, after an alarm was raised at around 7:30am on Tuesday.
Near-to-tears anglers watched as the Environment Agency (EA) rushed pumps and aerators to the waterside after the shoals of dead roach and bream and floated to the surface.
It is currently unclear why the oxygen levels in the lake have plummeted, however some believe that pollution is to blame – this theory has not been confirmed by the Environmental Agency as of yet.
One of the suspected causes of the fish massacre is a possible influx of algal boom.
Desperate attempts are being made to save thousands of fish in a ‘pit of death’ in Wiltshire
Locals have described the situation as ‘harrowing’
Locals posting on a Facebook community group described the situation as ‘harrowing’.
The EA said: ‘We deployed aerators to increase oxygen levels and create a safe haven for fish, and have taken water samples to help identify the cause.
‘Members of the public who spot fish in distress should report it to our 24/7 incident hotline 0800 80 70 60, so that we can investigate.’
David Richens, from Peatmoor and Sparcells Facebook Group, said there had been ‘a severe oxygen crash on Tuesday that killed thousands of fish’.
‘The Environment Agency have had at least four aerators in the lake most of the day’ he said.
‘The oxygen levels have risen slightly. The EA have also had several water samples taken and the club and the EA should have results in the next couple of days.
‘It’s been a very harrowing day.’
One local resident Teresa Clerk said ‘It was just shocking seeing those fish still alive in the lake struggling to get oxygen.
‘You could see vast numbers of small fish near the water surface in different parts of the lake.
The Environmental Agency deployed aerators to ‘increase oxygen levels and create a safe haven for fish, and have taken water samples to help identify the cause’
‘Sadly, there were also many dead bodies of larger fish.’
Thames Water said ‘We’ve proactively investigated the issues at Peatmoor Lagoon and while it’s not a pollution from our network, we’ve been supporting the EA with its investigations.’
Swindon Borough Council said ‘We are working with the Environment Agency and Peatmoor Fishing Club to ensure the lagoon can be a thriving hub once again.
‘Our warden team visited the site yesterday to assist in the clean-up of the fish and we are awaiting more information from the Environment Agency with regards to what has happened.’
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