An oxygen-sapping algae was today named as the killer of thousands of shrimps and prawns and dozens of fish and crabs found floating dead in a Canvey lake.
The Evening Echo reported last Friday how mystery surrounded the deaths in Smallgains Lake, off Creek Road, and how a lethal algae may have taken hold beneath the salt water.
Today Richard Woollard, the Environment Agency's media relations officer, revealed exactly what was going on in the park lake, adjacent to the Kings Caravan Park.
He said: "The cause was an algal bloom which happens in hot conditions when algae can grow very quickly.
"It is fine in the day time but at night, when it is dark, the algae takes oxygen out of the water and this has led to the deaths of the fish."
He added: "We will continue to monitor this situation and would like anyone who has any worries about pollution to contact our emergency hotline on 0800 807060."
Published Wednesday August 28, 2002
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