Investigation after hundreds of dead fish found
The Environment Agency has started an investigation after dead fish were found at Wallers Haven in East Sussex. Officers believe sewage has entered the water.
Wallers Haven at Normans Bay, East Sussex is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Ramsar site of international conservation importance. Environment Agency Officers were called out after receiving reports from members of the public about dead fish.
Environment Officers attended and immediately started an investigation into the incident. The full extent of damage is not yet known but the Environment Agency's Ecological Appraisal team yesterday estimated that at least 400 fish have died.
Environment Officer, Liz Wood, said of the incident:
“Unfortunately it looks like hundreds of fish have died at this internationally recognised site. Sewage entering a river or stream can have a devastating effect on the wildlife living there. Nutrients in the sewage can break down and use up oxygen in the water, making it hard for fish to breathe.
“We take incidents like this extremely seriously and are launching a full and thorough investigation to establish exactly how sewage entered Wallers Haven and if this is what has killed these fish. This is an unfortunate reminder to anyone who handles polluting matter that they take care to ensure that there is no risk to the environment.”
To report a pollution incident contact the Environment Agency 24 hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
|
