Redcar lake’s dead fish caused by drop in oxygen levels

Hundreds of fish have died in a park lake after a significant drop in oxygen levels due to increased water temperatures.

Residents spotted the fish floating on the surface of the lake at Locke Park, Redcar, Teesside.

The Environment Agency (EA) investigated and determined it had been caused by “natural factors”.

Labour MP Anna Turley said it was “upsetting to see such distressing scenes” in a popular green space.

The EA said it had found no evidence of pollution in the watercourse.

“We have investigated a fish kill incident at Locke Park and determined that it was caused by natural factors,” a spokesperson said.

“Prolonged dry weather, combined with reduced or stagnant water flow and increased water temperatures had led to a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels, which resulted in fish mortality.”

Council leader Alec Brown said walking around the lake was “grim” with all the fish floating in the water.

“I caught my first fish at the park when I was eight,” the Labour councillor said.

“It was absolutely awful seeing 300 to 400 fish dead in the lake and it smelt pretty bad too.”

Turley said she was “deeply concerned” by the reports of a fish die-off.

She added: “This is a much-loved green space in the heart of Redcar, and it’s upsetting to see such distressing scenes.

“I’m grateful to the council for responding quickly and urgently investigating the cause.”