Mystery surrounds the death of scores of fish in a number of the island’s reservoirs.

Dead rainbow trout have been found washed up at Clypse, Kerrowdhoo and Cringle reservoirs.

The government’s chief veterinary officer and Manx Utilities have investigated but have found no issue with the water quality.

temperatures

Officers in the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture believe high water temperatures may be to blame.

One fisherman, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Manx Independent to highlight what he described as a ’serious situation’.

He said he had visited Cringle reservoir, in the south of the island, to find the stench of dead fish, which were all around the edge, having been there for a couple of weeks.

’For a couple of weeks now, there are ever increasing numbers of rainbow trout dying in our reservoirs, Cringle especially,’ he said.

’There are several factors which can lead to this, toxicity in the water is obviously one of the more concerning possibilities.

’Hopefully it is more likely to be heat stress in the trout due to the warmer weather that we have been experiencing lately.’

A spokesman for the department confirmed: ’In recent weeks, the DEFA has received reports of dead rainbow trout at Clypse, Kerrowdhoo and Cringle reservoirs, around 30 in total.

’Whilst unfortunate, these numbers represent only a very small proportion of the more than 6,000 trout stocked to these reservoirs since the start of the fishing season in March.’

She said that the chief veterinary officer has very recently conducted ’satisfactory’ inspections both of the stocking procedure and the fish farm, which supplies the trout.

Fishery officers also conduct regular checks on numbers and condition of trout stocked to the reservoirs, she said.

The spokesman said: ’DEFA Fisheries liaises closely with Manx Utilities who have confirmed that there are no issues with water quality at any of the operational reservoirs, which are routinely checked.’

She added: ’High water temperatures can cause trout to be more lethargic and susceptible to stress and damage by predatory birds. Trout can be reluctant to feed, especially from the surface, during prolonged spells of hot weather.

’Whilst some anglers have reported poor catches during the recent weeks of warm weather, fish are being caught, and anglers are encouraged to vary their techniques, and, if possible, fish early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler.’