BLUE Seas Protection, a registered charity specialising in the protection of oceans and marine life, has played a pivotal role in saving hundreds of fish from the canoe lake in Sandown.
The immense summer heat and lack of precipitation had caused dozens of carp to die through lack of water and oxygen.
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The charity, working alongside around 70 supporters and volunteers, in addition to local and national companies, created Operation Carp Lift.
A spokesperson for Blue Seas Protection said: "It was a race against time, only hours between life and death for hundreds of huge wild carp that can live to more than 100 years of age.
"Unbelievably the operation was met with opposition from authorities, council and the environment agencies. Bureaucracy and even the police tried to stop the operation (both privately) and publicly.
"The people of Sandown supported our efforts, and authorities (eventually) aligned with our action to save the hundreds of large carp and other aquatic creatures such as the rare and endangered eels in the lake."
Blue Seas Protection has announced a clear strategy moving forwards, with a team of first responders available to assist if similar scenarios should unfold.
The charity has placed on record its gratitude to everyone involved with Operation Carp Lift, with a special thanks to Mark Reynolds who set up a Crowdfunding page and donated the proceeds to the marine conservation charity.
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