Recent sunny weather has been blamed for the algal bloom which saw a significant number of fish found dead in the Kennet and Avon Canal through Bath.
Dead fish in water | Library image
Members of the public took to social media last week to share their concerns after a large number of dead fish were taken from the water.
The Canal & River Trust, which looks after the stretch of the canal, said it had been monitoring the situation after being made aware, and had been investigating the cause.
The Environment Agency confirmed that the warm and sunny weather had caused an increase in algae in the water, which consumes high levels of oxygen leading to areas where aquatic life cannot survive.
Specialist equipment was readied to help increase oxygen levels within the water and carry out fish rescue if necessary.
A spokesperson for the charity Canal & River Trust said: “Thank you to everyone who has shown concern for the fish in the canal. It is always very upsetting to see wildlife in distress.
“The Environment Agency has confirmed that, in this instance, the issue is a naturally occurring algal bloom caused by the recent prolonged sunny weather.
“Algal blooms can cause oxygen concentrations in the water to drop which has unfortunately caused a number of fish to die.
“Our charity has been monitoring the situation since the first reports of dead fish, and due to the unusually warm and sunny weather this week we became increasingly concerned for fish welfare and so were on site with specialist equipment ready to aerate the water and carry out a fish rescue. Fortunately this wasn’t required.
“We recovered all dead fish present, but there is a chance that some may be seen in the canal over the next few days.
“So please do not be alarmed if you see a few dead fish, but if you see lots then please contact the Canal & River Trust emergency number on 0800 47 999 47 or the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
“We are hopeful that the situation will return to “normal”, but our charity will remain vigilant until we are sure.”
