THE Environment Agency is asking the public to help protect fish that may be struggling in the hot weather.

Fisheries have already reported fish in distress due to the water temperatures rising.

The Environment Agency is asking anglers, river users and the public to report any incidents, including if they see any fish in distress.

Eighty-eight incidences have been responded to by the Environment Agency across the South because of dry and hot weather. The Environment Agency has managed to save thousands of fish just in response to 27 reports.

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Warm weather can be very dangerous for species of fish such as pike and salmon, as the heat triggers algal blooms, that strips oxygen out of our waters.

Signs of distress include the fish being unresponsive, gasping for air at the surface, and signs of infection or fungus.

In freshwater, blue green algae or cyanobacteria thrive in warm conditions and can form blooms and scums, which are highly toxic to both humans and fish. The blooms discolour the water to blue-green or greenish brown, which should be avoided by humans and animals at all costs. Symptoms for people include vomiting and diarrhoea whilst the toxins for animals can be fatal.

The Environment Agency’s response includes restoring the dissolved oxygen levels in watercourses, providing advice, and informing angling clubs, fisheries, and anglers. As a last resort, fish are sometimes relocated.

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The work is funded by fishing license income which provides a lifeline to fisheries. Environment Agency often work with professional partner to help limit environmental harm.

Dave Webb, Environment Agency area fisheries manager, said: “We are already working hard to mitigate the impacts of recent high temperatures and are monitoring the situation closely when it comes to protecting fish at risk.

“We aim to respond to reports of fish in distress as quickly as possible and will assist and advise landowners and fisheries who look after private lakes, ponds and watercourses. Help from the public goes a very long way, which is why we provide free advice to all on how to protect fish during hot weather.

“If you see any fish in distress, algal blooms or suspect a fish disease outbreak, please tell us immediately by calling the Environment Agency’s National Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

The cause of death for fish often occurs due to poor water quality with low oxygen levels or disease, with warmer weather only making these problems worse.

Members of the public are urged to report any algal blooms to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour freephone emergency hotline on 0800 807060. Once an algal bloom is confirmed by the Environment Agency, that information is sent to the landowners and other statutory bodies so that any necessary action can be taken.