Fire crews called in as fish run out of oxygen

FIREFIGHTERS were brought in to pump water into a West lake after fish and eels were left gasping for air.

Emergency crews were called to Portishead Lake Grounds on Thursday after reports of hundreds of fish and eels close to the water surface because of a lack of oxygen.

North Somerset Council, which owns the lake, and RSPCA officers were also at the scene. The injection of fresh water has now improved the situation.

A temporary pump was used in the lake overnight to continue to recirculate the oxygen. North Somerset Council officials were at the scene yesterday morning and the situation is being monitored.

The distressing scenes come at the same time as the lake has suffered an outbreak of toxic blue-green algae. An ultrasonic algae control machine was installed at the lake following a similar outbreak in 2016.

It is understood that the machine stopped working about a month ago. The oxygen levels in the lake have also been depleted as a result of the hot weather and lack of rain over the summer.

Portishead councillor Paul Gardner said: “In 2016 there was a blue-green algae outbreak. Blue-green algae takes oxygen out of the water, which is bad for fish.

“An ultrasonic algae control machine was fitted and until just recently this had solved the problem. The machine was serviced earlier this summer but stopped working about a month ago.

“The service company found that a key part had been tampered with. A new part was ordered straight away but is currently stuck in customs.

“These circumstances plus the hot, dry weather led to a large blue-green algae infestation.

“The algae turned brown overnight, we understand that this is because it has used up so much oxygen that it has killed itself.

“This lack of oxygen has had a major impact on the fish and eels. We were alerted to the situation and immediately contacted North Somerset Council which owns the Lake Grounds and quickly attended site.

“We also worked with a very helpful RSPCA officer who happened to be on the Lake Grounds and contacted the Portishead Fire Brigade.”

We anticipate that water levels will be rectified by rainfall over the coming weeks and months COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON

It is understood a temporary pump is now being organised to help continue to oxygenate the lake.

North Somerset Council says it will continue to monitor the situation.

A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “This summer’s high temperatures and low levels of rainfall have had an impact on the water quality in the lake at Portishead Lake Grounds.

“The current water level is quite low, as are oxygen levels, and algae is present as a result of these natural factors. We anticipate that water levels will be rectified by rainfall over the coming weeks and months.”