An investigation has been launched after ‘thousands’ of dead fish were spotted in Salford Quays last night (June 12).
Multiple eyewitnesses say they witnessed a ‘huge fish kill’ yesterday evening, with videos showing deceased aquatic animals in the water. Now, the authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway.
One expert on rivers, Prof Jamie Woodward, tweeted that he believed the the deaths were due to a ‘huge flush of sewage combined with failure of aeration system’. However, United Utilities have ruled out sewage as a possible cause.
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The M.E.N. understands investigations from the water company’s officers have ruled out sewage as a cause, as the firm says it has ‘no assets that discharge directly into the Quays’.
A spokesperson added that ‘we have not discharged up or downstream’ of the area affected. It's also understood there is no aeration system in operation at Central Bay, or the Manchester Ship Canal.
Now, an Environment Agency spokesperson has named a possible cause of the devastation. They said: “We have been responding to reports of fish in distress at Salford Quays from concerned members of the public. We take swift action to protect people and the environment, and our officers were on site investigating yesterday.
“We believe that this is a natural event caused by high temperatures and low atmospheric pressure as a result of thunderstorms, causing low dissolved oxygen levels. Members of the public who spot fish in distress should report this to our 24/7 incident hotline 0800 80 70 60.”
A spokesperson for Manchester Ship Canal Company added that they believed the kill was caused by the weather. They said: “We appreciate that people will be curious if there is something wrong, but it’s important to know that fish kills in warm weather are common as the water is less able to hold oxygen. The effect can be greater if there has also been less rain. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to prevent this natural occurrence.”
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Salford City Council's lead member for environment, neighbourhoods, sport and leisure, added: “The Environment Agency are responding to this incident in the Manchester Ship Canal/Central Bay which is believed to have been caused by the recent hot weather and storms. Though this water is not owned by the council we have offered any support and co-operation required to deal with this.”
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