Fish still dying in polluted Ouse

THE Environment Agency said this week that fish are still dying a month after the Ouse was polluted with pesticide.

Recent results from the investigation have revealed that the gruesome deaths suffered by many of the bream were due to a severe and aggressive secondary infection with a range of common pathogens, bacteria and fungi.

The fish have been found in an appalling condition - some still alive with their spines protruding from their flesh.

Stuart Taylor, the area fisheries manager said: Aquatic animals are particularly sensitive to pesticides that have been developed to target terrestrial insects. Both fish and invertebrates may survive an initial pollution only to fall victim to a secondary infection.

The presence of any pollutant will stress the aquatic environment and the animals that live within it. Like us, when stressed these animals become more susceptible to the infections that are ever present around them, but that are normally kept in check by their immune systems.

Our continuing investigation has revealed that fish are still dying one month after the initial incident due to such secondary infections.

Environment Agency officers continue to closely monitor the situation on the Ouse. Water samples have confirmed that the pesticide level in the water has reduced as expected, with residual levels being maintained by releases from riverbed sediments.

The recovery for aquatic life in the Ouse has begun, although it may be a couple of years before the invertebrate populations fully recover. While this is happening the Ouse eco-system will remain particularly sensitive to any further environmental stressors.

We would appeal to the public to be particularly vigilant in promptly reporting any environmentally damaging incidents to our Freephone Emergency Hot-line (0800 80 70 60).

We would also urge those handling such chemicals to take extra precautions to prevent their release into the environment.

A range of informative literature on best practises is available through local Agency offices or alternatively on the Environment Agency web-site, www.environment-agency.gov.uk