Several fish found dead in a canal are thought to have perished because of the “warmer” weather last month.
Glen Cordner came across the acquatic animals on Tuesday (October 1) in the Thames and Medway Canal, near Mark Lane, in Gravesend, when he went fishing.
It was first thought the water may have been contaminated and the incident was reported to the Environment Agency.
However, following an investigation, no evidence of pollution was found.
A spokesman for the non-departmental public body added: “Specialist officers believe the dead fish seen in the canal this week sadly perished during warmer conditions in September, and are not part of any new incident.
“Better weather can increase the temperature of the water, and encourage algal blooms. These can cause significant drops in oxygen levels in the water and also smell similar to sewage as they die off.
“We are grateful to the member of the public who called our 24-hour incident hotline (0800 807060) about the canal.”
Last year, more than 700 fish were found dead in the River Stour, in Wye, near Ashford, due to both the higher temperatures and low atmospheric pressure caused by the thunderstorms.
The Environment Agency says it regularly receives reports of suspected sewage pollution that are instead due to a breakdown of algal blooms.
Throughout the summer, algae forms because the temperatures are warmer and there is more sunlight but when they break down, their appearance and smell may be mistaken for sewage.
Both give off an unpleasant smell, however, it says foam on the water’s surface is more likely to be the result of an algal bloom breaking down than sewage.
Read More: Why are so many fish dying in Kent and is climate change a factor?
Algal blooms often occur between April and August and long lines can be seen off headlands lying parallel to the coast.
