OVER 1,000 fish have died and hundreds more were left gasping for air at the surface after an algal bloom caused oxygen levels to plummet in two lakes in south-east London.

Environment Agency fisheries officers attended Southmere Lake, Abbey Wood, after receiving calls from members of the public. They found the dead and distressed fish on Sunday (1 August). The algal bloom is believed to have been caused by the long period of warm weather. 

Three Environment Agency aerators are in the water at the Southmere lake to reoxygenate the water. Yesterday morning all the aerators and pumps were still in operation and there are now several thousand small fish and many larger carp within the oxygenated plume. There are also eels present which are in decline in the UK.

Two prize carp that were about to die were removed from Southmere Lake on Monday night and placed in an Environment Agency holding tank and appear to be responding well.

Other species in the lake include roach, bream, tench, small perch, silver fish, large carp, eels and large pike.

Fish were also found distressed and dying as the result of an algal bloom at nearby Burgess Park lake, Camberwell, on Friday (31 July). Environment Agency officers visited Burgess Park yesterday, where local anglers continue to man the aeration equipment and monitor the site.

Environment Agency technical specialist Tom Cousins said: “This is a serious incident which has affected a large number of fish. Many hundreds have already died and it seems the incident has not yet run its course.

“From past experience we know that reoxygenating the water is the most effective way to help the fish after an algal bloom and the fish are responding to this well so far. We could really do with some rain, wind and cooler weather to help naturally aerate the water.

“We will continue to do our utmost to help by providing advice, equipment and  assistance in this incident which is upsetting to local residents and anglers at both lakes. Environment officers will continue to monitor the situation at both lakes.”