Friday 12 August 2022
A local business has offered its specialised services free of charge to assist the States in improving conditions for the fish at Saumarez Park pond.
After a long period of hot and dry weather, the fish had become concentrated into a small area which, alongside an increase in algae in the pond, is leading to reduced oxygen levels. As the dry spell continues, this has been made worse and the fish in the pond have started to die.
This week, the States' Agriculture Countryside & Land Management Services (ACLMS) have been working to deliver tankers of non-potable (non-drinking) water to alleviate the pressure on the fish.
Since then, ACLMS have been approached by D.W Lloyd Limited, a private company specialising in pond management, to offer their services free of charge to assist with the issue.
This work has already commenced and the condition of the pond will continue to be monitored during the ongoing hot and dry weather spell. Tankers of water will also continue to be brought in to keep the levels suitably high. The public are advised not to let their dogs enter the pond and are being encouraged not to feed the ducks in the area.
Jim Robinson, Director of Natural Environment, said:
"We were approached by D.W Lloyd yesterday morning with their kind offer to assist us free of charge and work got underway very quickly. We're very grateful to them, as this work is more complicated than it may first appear. For example, disturbing the sediment at the bottom of the pond will make matters worse, but through using their specialist knowledge and experience, oxygen levels in the pond can be increased while avoiding disturbance of this sediment. Dead fish will also be collected and disposed of safely with the help of the States Veterinary Officers."
Dan from D.W Lloyd Limited said:
"When I saw the condition of the pond after being tagged in photos, I was shocked. My own children love the park and to see the fish dying is upsetting. I contacted ACLMS late on Wednesday night and met with them yesterday to discuss an action plan. The products we are using are from OASE, who are worldwide pond specialists and whom we train and work closely with. The products are not harmful to fish, people, wildlife or livestock. This is not an over-the-counter product, it is specialized for professional use. We will also be using petrol pumps around the pond to help aerate the water, and this, along with the tankers of water being delivered, should improve the situation quickly."
