BETWEEN 1,500 and 2,000 fish are estimated to have died in Petersfield's Heath Pond since toxic blue-green algae was discovered in the water.
The sickening loss of wildlife has led Petersfield Town Council to call for an immediate meeting of its Heath Pond Working Party, to try and work out how to solve the algae problem once and for all.
Anglers and volunteers have been placing the dea
d fish into a special container to dispose of the carcasses. During Monday night’s search of the lake further dead fish were found at the bottom of the pond in areas where the algae had cleared slightly.
Members of Petersfield Angling Club told town councillors the algae was a different strain to the one that blighted the pond two years ago.
Back then, hydrogen peroxide was pumped into the water to increase oxygen levels and break down the algae.
This time oxygen levels are much higher and it is believed more oxygen would not solve the problem.
Neither Petersfield Angling Club nor the town council want to restock the pond with fish until the situation has been cleared up.
Councillor Chris Jenner said: “It must be so disheartening for the anglers and Petersfield Angling Club.
“It is almost like a bereavement for them.”
Signs have been put up by Petersfield Town Council warning people not to go into the water and to stop their dogs swimming in the pond.
The toxins in the algae are not fatal to humans but can cause skin rashes or stomach complaints if ingested.
