An investigation has been launched by Scotland’s environmental watchdog after dozens of dead fish were discovered washed up on the banks of a lake near Sauchie, in Clackmannanshire.
A horrified walker discovered at least 50 fish floating dead on the water at Gartmorn Dam on Wednesday, January 4.
In shocking photos, the school of fish can be seen floating upside down on the north-western shoreline of the dam.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) says that it is aware of reports of dead fish in the water there – dating back to last month – and has launched a probe into the discovery.
No obvious cause has yet been identified, with SEPA officers left surmising that freezing temperatures and a lack of oxygen led to the fish dying.
A SEPA spokesperson told the Observer: “We have received a number of reports from members of the public regarding dead fish in a pond at Gartmorn Dam.
“A SEPA officer attended to investigate on Thursday, December 22, and again on Sunday, January 1, and no pollution was identified. It is suspected the fish may have died due to a combination of cold weather, ice and a lack of oxygen and the incident has been referred to Marine Scotland.
“We would like to thank the members of the public who reported this and continue to encourage anyone who spots signs of pollution to report this to SEPA online at www.sepa.org.uk/report or by calling 0800 80 70 60.”
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Gartmorn Dam is an artificial freshwater lake, built in 1711-12 as a reservoir to supply water to hydraulic machines used in Alloa’s mining industry and is one of Scotland’s earliest constructed reservoirs.
Scottish Water says it has not been made aware of the discovery of the fish, but a spokesperson added: “This reservoir is not used for public supply and we do not handle any potential pollutants on or near the site.
“Our teams will investigate and take the appropriate action.”
Clackmannanshire Council said that the matter has not been raised with its environmental health department.
In addition, the discovery has not formally been reported to the SSPCA.
The species of fish remains unclear, with angling experts unable to confidently identify them from the photographs.
One angler said: “It’s very difficult to be sure as I cannot define the body markings clearly enough by these photos. I think there may be a mix of coarse and trout but couldn’t be definite.
“The closest photo looks very trout shaped while others, belly up, may be perch or roach. But I can’t be sure.”
As SEPA look into the discovery, Gareth Bourhill, of the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association (LLAIA), says something needs to be done promptly.
He said: “What does concern me, and action is required sooner or later, is somebody should have reported these fish to the SEPA, as there are dead fish, they are in water and the side of water that dogs, pets other wildlife, children and humans could touch. Or even worse, take away and eat.
“If the fish have been poisoned or have parasites we don’t want humans or pets being affected.”
Mr Bourhill added that a cordon should be put in place at the site until the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the fish has been identified.
