Carp-e Diem — positive news for Sandown after canoe lake meeting

Dozens of people from the local community and members of marine conservation charity Blue Seas Protection were joined by Cllr Debbie Andre, as a heated, civil debate took place by the lake last night (Monday), with solutions passionately sought from both sides.

Residents of Sandown and Cllr Debbie Andre discuss the situation at the lake

A social media post had earlier suggested some residents were planning to take matters into their own hands by fishing the carp out and placing them back into the river system, although the Environment Agency warned against this for legal reasons.

The condition of the lake has long been a subject of concern for people in the town, with depth levels dropping dramatically over the past decade.

Birds can be seen walking on the mud, while carp have been reduced to staying in one small section of the water where the level is a little higher than elsewhere.

Sandown canoe lake. Credit: Sandown Hub.

Concerned resident, Matthew Sherwood, told our CP reporter yesterday: "As the depth of the water decreases, so too will oxygen levels for the fish, and if we don't get them out while we find a resolution they will die.

"We would like to put the fish into a quarantine tank before reintroducing them at a later date.

"Legally we can't do that, but no alternative solution has been offered — you can't refuse one thing without giving us hope of another."

One area of Sandown canoe lake where carp are in danger with water levels dropping

Since the meeting, which concluded on an optimistic note, residents have received verbal and written permission from the landowner to introduce a rescue plan.

Blue Seas Protection has launched a small shallow draft boat on site to assist, all efforts will be coordinated with a planned approach and run passed the charity first.

Cllr Debbie Andre, ward member for Sandown North, said: "I'm delighted we were able to work together (at the meeting) to try and find a long-term solution to this problem.

"There is no easy answer to this, as a Councillor I have to rely on the evidence I receive from the experts.

"The ultimate aim is not only to save these fish for this year, but to stop this happening again in the future."

Photo: Paul Coueslant/ Sandown Hub.

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “While we fully understand the concerns of the public, it is against the law to move fish without authorisation from the Environment Agency.

"We regulate the movement of fish to help protect fish stocks and the water environment from harmful parasites and disease.

"We have sent an officer to assess the conditions at the lake and will continue to provide advice and guidance on what options are open to the owner of the lake."

A Facebook page devoted to the canoe lake has been created subsequent to the meeting. You can join by clicking HERE.

UPDATE 11pm: At 3pm on Tuesday, a team of residents and Blue Seas Protection representatives set up the holding tank and began the process of safely relocating the fish.

Police arrived on the scene later in the day, and ordered the dismantling of the tank with immediate effect. 

It was hoped Operation Carp Lift would save the fish from the lake

A post on the Sandown Hub Facebook page said: "What started as a rescue operation with locals has now turned into frustration, anger, and sadness for trying to save these fish."

Sandown community members erecting the holding tank