BLUE Seas Protection has issued a statement after the charity distanced itself from Sandown canoe lake last month.

The move was greeted with disappointment by residents who had hoped the marine charity could work in conjunction with the landowner and council to find a solution to issues that had caused numerous fish to die.

A statement issued by the charity said: "Blue Seas Protection are unwilling to support any future project on the landowner's private land, including clearing brambles which are also a local wildlife habitat.

"On September 9, there was an official meeting between a delegation of seven council members and Blue Seas Protection on site where this point was discussed and a clear message was to be given that the landowner must take responsibility for his property.

Read more: Blue Seas Protection thanks volunteers for saving Sandown canoe lake carp

"The landowner did not support previous clean ups in 2018 or the rescue of the fish in 2020.

"Funds were raised for saving the dying fish at the canoe lake, which we did. After some expenses were reimbursed by the fundraiser the remainder of funds passed to us and all receipted equipment, purchases and expenses were reimbursed.

"Leftover funds were accepted as a donation to Blue Seas Protection, as per the GoFundMe (page) description, being the registered charity present and involved from day one with the saving of 255 fish from dying in the mud."

The charity played a role alongside residents, as well as local and national companies in saving hundreds of fish from the lake this summer, having created Operation Carp Lift.

Immense heat and lack of precipitation had caused dozens of carp to die through lack of water and oxygen.