Dozens of dead fish in reservoir Portavoe

Summary:
In a reservoir in Countydown, Donaghadee were found dozens of dead trout. The reasons vary per opinion, however each counted as reasonable.
People living near Portavoe Reservoir outside Donaghadee say that water levels have dropped recently after a sluice gate was left open. The NI Water, which owns the reservoir, responds to this saying the gate was opened after a recent flood but was closed again. According to other research by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure the fish died due to low water levels, increased temperature and a lack of oxygen. This physical condition is known as ‘furunculosis’ and is common at this time of the year under similar physical conditions. However, on 20 June, a Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) officer investigated the dead fish at Portavoe and found no evidence of pollution, but witnessed some distressed fish in the lower levels of the reservoir. BBC reporter Gordon Adair, reporting from the scene for the BBC, said the fish could clearly be seen struggling for air in distress. Anglers say the sudden drop in water levels mean that there is not enough oxygen in the water for the fish. The website of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure declare that there are about 6000 trout in the reservoir, which can be fished exclusively by fly fisherman.

Reaction:
Even though I’m not sure how many fish are dead, I can not believe that there are so many killed. It’s always horrible to see nature destroyed especially in a situation like that where there has been said that the fish died of lack of air and distressed. Good thing that these fish are in a reservoir and can be more easily be reproduced than fish in the open sea. Restrictions can be made for less fishing in order to give these trout a chance to expand again. It’s a pity that it seems that there has been a drop in water levels. Could it be that these people have made a mistake and haven’t taken enough care of these fish? If it so, than they should be held responsible.

Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/northern_ireland/10360509.stm