 James Kirk of MEM Fisheries sets up the air pump which will increase oxygen levels as he is caught in a race against time to save as many fish as he can. | There were multiple reports about the dead fish in canals due to the hot weather and thunderstorms with up to 700 dead in one spot alone. The bodies of fish washed up near Blockhouse Lock on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal on Monday due to falling oxygen levels in the canal. |
Fish could be seen struggling near the surface but many dead fish had collected near lock 4, close to the city's Lock Street.
A race against time took place on Monday to save as many fish as possible by using pumps to increase the oxygen levels in that section of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
James Kirk, of MEM Fisheries performing work on behalf of the Canal and River Trust, said there were 'no more dead fish' near Blockhouse Lock after they used pumps to aerate the water in the canal to save as many of the surviving fish as possible before they too succumbed.
However, he said: "There are between 500 and 700 dead fish - that's a good estimate."
In a measure of the dedication of contractors, they remained there yesterday afternoon, monitoring the situation, after staying in tents by the canal overnight despite an amber weather warning for thunderstorms issued by the Met Office.
A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: "We are aware that there are several areas where we have reports of fish in distress along several of our canals.
"This is due to several factors: the water temperatures are very high (over 20 degrees), this combined with warm air temperatures, thunderstorms (which cause low pressure and subsequent low dissolved oxygen levels in water) and storm drains discharging into our canals after a heavy downpour.
"We are doing what we can to raise the oxygen levels and are working with our specialist fish contractor as well as the Environment Agency to aerate the water and prevent any further fish from dying.
Whilst it’s not unusual for warm temperatures to affect oxygen levels in the water we are dealing with multiple reports from members of the public about fish in distress across our canals.
"We would urge if anyone sees any fish in distress to call us on 03030 404040 or call the Environment Agency 0800 80 70 60."
A race against time took place on Monday to save as many fish as possible by using pumps to increase the oxygen levels in that section of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
James Kirk, of MEM Fisheries performing work on behalf of the Canal and River Trust, said there were 'no more dead fish' near Blockhouse Lock after they used pumps to aerate the water in the canal to save as many of the surviving fish as possible before they too succumbed.
However, he said: "There are between 500 and 700 dead fish - that's a good estimate."
In a measure of the dedication of contractors, they remained there yesterday afternoon, monitoring the situation, after staying in tents by the canal overnight despite an amber weather warning for thunderstorms issued by the Met Office.
A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: "We are aware that there are several areas where we have reports of fish in distress along several of our canals.
"This is due to several factors: the water temperatures are very high (over 20 degrees), this combined with warm air temperatures, thunderstorms (which cause low pressure and subsequent low dissolved oxygen levels in water) and storm drains discharging into our canals after a heavy downpour.
"We are doing what we can to raise the oxygen levels and are working with our specialist fish contractor as well as the Environment Agency to aerate the water and prevent any further fish from dying.
Whilst it’s not unusual for warm temperatures to affect oxygen levels in the water we are dealing with multiple reports from members of the public about fish in distress across our canals.
"We would urge if anyone sees any fish in distress to call us on 03030 404040 or call the Environment Agency 0800 80 70 60."
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