By Isle of Wight Observer
There are growing hopes that a combined community effort to save hundreds of fish in Sandown’s Canoe Lake will be successful, following days of urgent action by volunteers and local groups.
Water levels in the lake have dropped dangerously low, leaving large carp and endangered eels struggling to survive. Several fish have already died, prompting a swift and co-ordinated response from residents determined to prevent further losses.
Adrian Whittaker, who has spearheaded the campaign alongside Natalie Power and her partner Tony, said: “We were alerted to the situation on Sunday. Natalie and Tony jumped straight in and tried to dig a deeper channel with buckets – but it was hopeless. We needed much more help. The Sandown Community Association stepped in to fund a digger the next day and volunteers have been arriving each evening to help move stranded fish into safer areas.”
Support has also come from local businesses. John Smith, of Robin Hill and Westridge, and Richard Carter, of Readymix Concrete, have provided six 30,000-litre tankers of water, which have been aerated to increase oxygen levels and help the fish survive.
A licence to move the estimated 400–500 fish has been applied for via the Environment Agency (EA), with plans to relocate them to an empty lake in Rookley, once approval is granted.
Mr Whittaker added: “We’ve got to work alongside the EA. Their rules may seem strict, but they’re there to protect the Island’s wider waterways.”
Despite the challenges, the community remains hopeful. As one volunteer put it: “It’s heart-breaking to see these fish struggling to survive – or even dead – but we’re doing everything we can.”
Mal Butler