Fish ‘probably’ died due to lack of oxygen
A number of fish have been found dead at a lake in Gosport with the Environment Agency (EA) called in to investigate.
There were numerous reports of dead fish being spotted at Stoke Lake alongside Little Anglesey Road in the past few days which led to a site inspection from the EA on Tuesday, June 30. There were concerns that it could be due to pollution or the presence of blue green algae which is highly toxic and dangerous to humans and animals.
Following the visit, the EA allayed those fears stating that the deaths were likely due to a lack of oxygen in the water.
A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “We have received multiple reports of dead fish in Stoke Lake. We attended site yesterday and suspect the cause of the dead fish are linked to a drop in oxygen levels combined with algal growth typical of the hot weather the area has been experiencing lately. We do not believe this to be linked to pollution.
“We also do not believe this to be blue green algae.”
Gosport Borough Council have said they will continue to monitor the situation and work with the Environment Agency on the issue.
A spokesperson for the council’s Environmental Health team said: “We are aware of dead fish in the water alongside Little Anglesey Road, known as Stoke Lake. Environment Agency staff and colleagues in Environmental Health have visited the site and the cause is probably a lack of oxygen in the water.
“During periods of very hot weather, oxygen levels can fall at a time when fish need it most. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to fish deaths, as we have seen here.
“There is no evidence of a pollution incident and there is no public health concern. The council’s cleansing team is continuing to remove any dead fish from the area.”
The council has reminded residents that Stoke Lake is not a designated bathing water. Designated bathing waters can be found at Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay.
