A major rescue effort is continuing at Sandown Canoe Lake today (Wednesday) as a team of volunteers work to save the local wildlife.
A team of dedicated volunteers have been working non-stop to save the wildlife since the situation reached a ‘critical point’ on Sunday, as first reported by Island Echo.
Today (Wednesday), a tanker containing 30,000 litres of water supplied by John Smith of Westridge Limited and Robin Hill and Richard Carter Readymix Concrete was poured into the lake in a bid to save the fish ahead of their relocation. A further 4 tankers are expected to be added in the coming days.
Despite the best efforts of volunteers, the majority of whom have taken days off from work to help out, around 30 or so fish have died thus far. Most of the fish that have perished are adult carp. Aeration of the lake is currently in progress in a bid to save those that remain.
Things such as waders, pumps and generators have been supplied by various members of the Isle of Wight Community who have rallied around in a bid to save one of Sandown’s most iconic attractions.
It has been confirmed that the remaining fish will be removed from the lake and transported to a site at Rookley Country Park, however a licence is needed to complete the move, a licence which, at the time of publication, has not yet been granted. It is unclear whether the fish will be rehoused in the lake at a later date.
Sandown Canoe Lake is home to numerous species of wildlife including; carp, eels, shrimp and bloodworm.
A related GoFundMe page was set-up on Sunday and so far more than £2,000 has been raised. Island Echo understands that the monies raised will be used to help pay for the remaining 4 tankers and any other associated costs.
Diggers are due on site this afternoon to make a section of the lake deeper in an attempt to stop the fish occupying the shallow end.
The troubles at Sandown Canoe Lake come just days after wildlife were saved at Shanklin’s Big Mead Pond.
Well done to all involved, if everyone donated £5 it would make such a difference.
Or even less, and if anyone comments on here and says they are just fish, please IE don’t publish it?
Well done to everyone involved.
Wildlife is so beautiful.
Keep up the good work, thankfully we had some
rain today, the more the better.