The reason why hundreds of fish found dead at Solihull park revealed

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The Environment Agency has explained why dead fish have surfaced on a lake in Solihull. Locals expressed concern after a large number of fish appeared at Elmdon Park during the last week.

The Environment Agency said the prolonged hot spell had caused a lethal lack of oxygen. In addition, material washed into the lake could also further reduce the amount of oxygen for fish and other wildlife.

The agency said they would be monitoring the situation in the coming days. There have been other sightings of dead fish around the borough.

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A spokeswoman from the agency said: “Summer can see Environment Agency staff responding to many reports of fish in distress. Water naturally carries less oxygen during hot dry spells and prolonged warm dry weather can affect fish in rivers, canals and still waters.

“Prolonged warm weather followed by intense summer rainstorms, such as those we experienced across the Midlands in the last week, including the Avon catchment, can wash material into watercourses which can build up on roads and in gullies. Once in a watercourse, this material will further deplete the water of oxygen and can lead to serious fish mortalities.

© Martin O’Callaghan
Dead fish in Elmdon

“We are currently assessing each report to see what action can be taken and are providing advice as required. Our teams are monitoring the watercourses and our Fisheries Officers are providing remediation advice to fishery owners. The Canal and River Trust has deployed fisheries contractors to undertake aeration activities on affected canals.”

“We encourage people to report any distressed or dead fish to our hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

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