Islanders trying to save fish from a canoe lake - drying up because of the heat - were greeted by police officers yesterday evening (Tuesday).
Hampshire Constabulary says it was called to Sandown Canoe Lake to "keep the peace".
Officers say they received reports of a man removing fish, without permission, at 6.13pm.
A spokesperson for the force said:
"This was because of the lake drying up.
"Police have attended to prevent a breach of the peace as a suitable alternative to removing the fish before appropriate licensing had been obtained."
As Isle of Wight previously reported, residents took it upon themselves to remove the fish last night.
They say the heat is causing low water levels, with a number of carp being found dead.
Photo from Paul Coueslant/Sandown HUB.
The Environment Agency has said the fish are not allowed to be removed, unless it is authorised.
Blue Seas Protection says it was led to believe it had the go ahead to do so.
Posting on Facebook, the charity said:
"We were led to believe yesterday that the Environment Agency were sending Fishery Experts to move the fish from the holding tank at 6pm but no one turned up. We have moved many fish to the tank in good faith that they would be collected.
"This also from someone at the EA via Debbie Andre [Sandown North Cllr]:
" 'My advice remains that the lake owners should contact a reputable fish supplier (details in my previous email) discuss removing the fish and have them taken off site.' "
"We have written permission from the owner to move them but now we need somewhere to move them to!"
Isle of Wight Radio is still awaiting a comment from the Environment Agency as to whether the removal of the fish is allowed, and if not, what plans are in place to save the wildlife.
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