'I have seen no evidence of dead fish', says the ward member for Sandown North Debbie Andre, as she tries to resolve carp concerns in the canoe lake in Sandown.
Mrs Andre says the low water levels are 'of a concern' for the carp but the fisheries expert she has spoken to says 'it is not at a critical stage whereby it would justify immediate action'.
Should the situation worsen she is advising residents to call the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800807060.
There were reports this afternoon (Tuesday) that residents were gathering by the lake to try and take matters into their own hands and move the fish themselves, however, Mrs Andre says it is not permitted to move them without the landowner's permission.
It comes after the Environment Agency carried out an investigation into the lake in Sandown yesterday (Monday), as previously reported.
Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, Mrs Andre said:
"Whilst I do share the concerns from the public, I have a duty to look for solutions that will both resolve the current critical situation and put in place sustainable measures for the future. In order to do this, I am consulting with the Environment Agency - who are the lead expert body on this situation and I am acting on their advice. As I am sure people will appreciate this is not just a problem in Sandown, it is a national issue."
She says the possible solutions are:
- The use of a paddle aerator - to increase the surface area and oxygen for the carp
- Build a dam to cordon off a section of the existing lake and then obtain a permit from the Environment Agency to relocate the fish there.
Mrs Andre told Isle of Wight Radio:
"As it stands I have not seen evidence of fish dying or in distress... I have relayed everything to the Environment Agency and that is what I have to rely on'.
Mrs Andre says she will take guidance from the Environment Agency as to what to do next and will update residents in due course.
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