Council re-oxygenates canal in response to fish deaths

Devon County Council has responded to a recent spate of fish deaths at the Grand Western Canal near Sampford Peverell by taking action to re-oxygenate the water in that section of the Canal.

Several hundred small roach and a number of larger roach and pike died recently when oxygen levels in the canal dramatically declined. 

The problem was caused by a natural algal bloom that grew towards the end of the recent spell of hot sunny weather. 

When the sunny spell ended and the weather turned cloudy, the algae stopped producing as much oxygen, but continued to deplete oxygen levels at night, leaving fish struggling to survive.

Like all water plants, the algal bloom produces oxygen whilst photosynthesising during the day and depletes oxygen levels in the water whilst respiring at night.

The Environment Agency were informed and a fisheries officer visited on several occasions to assess the situation. 

Although there have now been few new fish deaths, oxygen levels in the water remain low, and with further cloudy weather forecast, the Council has decided to supplement the oxygen levels by using spray bars. 

Spray bars are lengths of steel tube with holes, connected to a pump.  Water is pumped through the bars and lands as mist on the water, delivering oxygen as it does so. 

The equipment is being leant by the Environment Agency and will be run by the Canal Ranger Service.

The Council is asking regular towpath walkers to contact them should they see any numbers of new dead fish in the area, or in other stretches of the canal.

Contact the Canal Ranger Service on 01884 254072 or contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.