Concern as dead fish are found in Strathclyde Park

May 15 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

A LARGE number of dead fish have been seen lying around the edge of Strathclyde Park’s loch.

Regular users of the park have become increasingly concerned about the number of fish that have been washed up onto the paths around the waters of the popular park.

One dog walker said: “I am a regular visitor to the park and have become concerned about the amount of dead fish we have seen around the edge of the loch.

“The numbers of dead fish appear to be growing. I have counted over 50 from the car park at the water sports centre to the area where the boat races start — and a further 100 in that area alone.

“I reported it to a groundsman in the area and although he was shocked by the situation and reported it I am worried it won’t be dealt with properly.

“I don't know if the water is polluted or if it is some form of disease the fish have contracted but this is a popular area for myself and my family and I would hate to see the local wildlife affected therefore I feel the matter has to be dealt with urgently.”

However, council officials this week reassured visitors to the park that the problem appeared to be caused by the sudden change in the weather.

John Turnbull, countryside and landscape manager with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “It’s not at all unusual for thermal shock to cause some numbers of dead fish to appear after a sudden change in water temperature, either up or down.

“The fish affected are usually weak and diseased specimens from the previous year’s fry and that seems to be the case here.

“However, to be absolutely certain there is no cause for concern, a number of days ago the countryside rangers asked SEPA to examine both the water and some of the fish from the loch.

“So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the phenomenon is anything other than natural, and since both younger fry and older, larger fish appear to be perfectly healthy, we do not anticipate any cause for concern. We will of course continue to monitor the situation closely.”