Fish deaths at lake a 'mystery'

The lake was cordoned off after more than 100 dead fish were found

The death of more than 100 fish at a lake remains a mystery.

Tests have been taking place since fish were found dead at Cwmbran boating lake in Torfaen earlier this week.

Environment Agency Wales said tests indicated there were no pollutants in the lake when water sampling was carried out.

It is believed that a lack of "dissolved oxygen" killed the fish, but it is not known what caused the drop in oxygen levels.

Torfaen council officers and residents worked together on Wednesday to save the surviving fish, transferring them to a nearby pond.

The lake was then cordoned off while tests were carried out.

I was shocked to see the dead fish while out walking my dog Gareth Swithin, fisherman

Environment Agency Wales said: "Our test results show that the water quality, at the time of sampling, was normal with no indication of any pollutants in the lake.

"We believe that the fish kill was due to a lack of dissolved oxygen in the lake but it is not possible to determine what caused this drop in the oxygen levels."

A spokesperson for Torfaen council said that thousands of fish had survived the incident and the lake was now "back to normal".

"The cause of the problem remains a mystery," he added.

Fisherman Gareth Swithin, 43, of Coed Lee, Cwmbran, was one of the volunteers who helped save the surviving fish.

"I was shocked to see the dead fish while out walking my dog and I just wanted to do something to help," he said.

"I've been fishing for eight years - it's distressing to see the fish struggling."

Christina Harrhy, the council's head of technical services and performance, said a council officer had discovered the dead fish and this led to a "desperate scramble" to save as many as possible.

"I would like to thank the band of officers and local residents for doing everything they could to help," she said.

'Louts on bikes'

"We are now working closely with the Environment Agency to determine the cause so we can resolve the problem and stop any further suffering."

Fish including bream, carp and roach are found in the boating lake.

The boating lake has had a difficult couple of months after being targeted by vandals.

Torfaen council said last month that "louts on bikes" killed ducks by riding into them. Vegetation, fencing and decking were also damaged.

Some £250,000 was recently spent on environmental work, including new viewing platforms, improved access, repairs and a wetlands habitat.

Patrols in the area were being stepped up.