Environment Agency investigating deaths of fish at Wakefield's Thornes Park

The Environment Agency is investigating the deaths of dozens of fish at Wakefield's Thornes Park.
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Dozens of dead fish have been spotted floating on the pond over the last few weeks, and walkers have reported a strong smell in the area.

It is believed the fish died after hot weather lowered the oxygen levels in the water, but then took several weeks to rise to the surface of the pond.

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Wakefield Council has confirmed it is aware of the issue and will take steps to remove the fish in due time.

The Environment Agency is investigating the deaths of dozens of fish at Wakefield's Thornes Park. Photos: @MisterJMV1/JPIMediaThe Environment Agency is investigating the deaths of dozens of fish at Wakefield's Thornes Park. Photos: @MisterJMV1/JPIMedia
The Environment Agency is investigating the deaths of dozens of fish at Wakefield's Thornes Park. Photos: @MisterJMV1/JPIMedia

But the Environment Agency has now confirmed they attended the pone following a number of reports to their incident hotline.

They are now working with Wakefield Angling Club to improve the habitats and manage fish stocks.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers attended Thornes Park pond in Wakefield on the 17 August following a number of reports to our incident hotline about fish in distress. Upon investigation it became clear that a number of fish had died due to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.

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"Reports of fish in distress often increase in the summer due to natural processes reducing oxygen levels in the water. Small still waters, such as Thornes Pond, are particularly susceptible as they start to warm up.

"This leads to a fall in dissolved oxygen which can be damaging or even fatal to fish. Changes in air pressure found with thunderstorms can make this worse.

"The Environment Agency fisheries team is now working with Wakefield Angling Club, which uses the pond, to advise about how to help improve the habitat for fish and manage stocks.

"If you witness fish in distress, please call the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

"For more information about fish and fishing go to https://www.gov.uk/topic/environmental-management/fisheries-rod-licensing."