Dead fish in lake 'is an example of the impact of climate change' on wildlife

MORE than 100 fish have died in a lake at a beauty spot due to the recent heatwave, according to the Environment Agency.

- by SARAH LUMLEY

Park rangers at Stover Country Park, near Newton Abbot, have pulled dozens of dead fish from the water recently as they have struggled to cope with the soaring temperatures.

The lake is man-made and shallow, with the water heating up relatively quickly in recent hot weather. And as water temperatures rise, dissolved oxygen levels go down, which has caused some of the fish to die.

Staff at the park are working with the Environment Agency, which is monitoring the situation, and an oxygenator is due to be installed. Although this will not cover the whole lake, it is hoped the additional oxygen will save some fish.

Visitors to Stover are being asked to take extra care not to disturb the fish in the lake during the hot spell, by not paddling in the water, and also keeping their dogs on leads and out of the lake.