THE future of carp in a rapidly drying lake in Sandown looks uncertain this evening (Wednesday) after concerned residents posted on social media to say they have again been told that it may be too risky to move them.

Local residents say they feel “frustration, anger, and sadness” over the situation, which has already led to a number of fish being found dead.

Earlier today, the Isle of Wight County Press was told the RSPCA would be helping to temporarily rehome the fish from the canoe lake, which is jointly owned by the Isle of Wight Council and private owners.

However tonight, Wednesday, rescuers say around 100 fish have been taken from the lake and moved to temporary holding areas.

Isle of Wight County Press: A meeting took place at the lake on MondayA meeting took place at the lake on Monday

The fish are not native to the lake, the Isle of Wight County Press has been told.

Concerned locals, who fear more will die without help, say they have found a new home for them on private land.

They have appealed for a generator to supply oxygen.

Local people, spearheaded by Matthew Sherwood, have been consulting with marine charity Blue Seas Protection, the RSPCA and the Environment Agency over the future of the fish.

Isle of Wight County Press: Carp have been dying due to the lowering oxygen levels of the lake. Photo: Kim HodsonCarp have been dying due to the lowering oxygen levels of the lake. Photo: Kim Hodson

Despite a series of intense meetings, gatherings and interventions with councillors, police, members of the community and environmental groups over the past three days, the future of the fish is still unclear tonight.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency had warned: “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 diseases.”

On Tuesday, residents and marine charity volunteers set up a holding tank and began the process of relocating the fish.

Isle of Wight County Press: The holding tank set up by volunteers and Blue Seas ProtectionThe holding tank set up by volunteers and Blue Seas Protection

Later in the evening, police were called after Sandown town councillor Chris Dupre reportedly had a disagreement with some of the rescuers.

Isle of Wight County Press: Police attended the scene on Tuesday eveningPolice attended the scene on Tuesday evening

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Police said: "We were called at 6.13pm on 11 August to reports of a man removing fish from canoe lake in Sandown, without the permission of the council.

"Police attended to prevent a breach of the peace as a suitable alternative to removing the fish was found before appropriate licensing had been obtained."