Environment Agency to investigate Canvey Lake bird deaths

An Essex Wildlife Hospital volunteers says five cygnets – young swans – living on Canvey Lake have died in the last few weeks, along with multiple mallards.

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Volunteer Paul Watkinson, 58, said: “Two have died on the lake, and three others have died after being taken to the hospital.

Rescue - The cygnet on its way to hospital

“It’s so heart-breaking, we just need to know what is happening so we can stop this from happening again.”

Mr Watkinson rescued the last remaining cygnet from the lake and has taken it to the hospital for treatment.

“The cygnet did not look in a good way at all, and I’m just hoping it pulls through,” he said.

Lake deaths - A dead mallard washed up on the bank

The Canvey resident of 30 years says he believes the birds may be being killed by botulism – a a severe, often fatal, form of blood poisoning which can affect most animals.

It is caused by toxins produced by bacteria which are present in high levels in decaying organic matter, such as bird and animal carcasses, and can be present in water bodies.

“I’m not an expert, so I can’t say for certain what is killing them. But I can tell you they are dying,” he said.

Recurring issue - Dead fish on the surface of the water

“Somebody has got to take responsibility because this happens year after year.

"Unless we want to live in a concrete jungle, we need to take responsibility and look after this wildlife.”

The Environment Agency says it is aware of the issue, and its wildlife experts will be investigating the cause.

The government agency is set to release a further statement on the issue later today.

The lake has previously been the site of fish deaths, due to a lack of oxygen, with fire crews pumping the water to re-oxidise it last month.

However, Mr Watkinson claims fish are continuing to die in the lake, and estimates hundreds have perished so far this year.

Canvey Town Council which manages the lake was contacted for comment but did not respond in time for publication.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our Officers have inspected Canvey Lake a number of times and believe that the water quality is being affected by an algal bloom. Algal blooms occur naturally but can have a greater impact during long periods of hot, dry weather. 

"However, in this instance, we believe it is unlikely that water quality is a significant factor in the death of water fowl and have reported this matter to DEFRA, which will collect samples to confirm the cause of death.

“If people have any concerns about water quality or see dead fish, we encourage them to report it to our 24/7 incident line on 0800 807060.”