Dead fish, up to two feet, are washing up on Kent beaches after the sea turned orange — leading to fears the area is toxic. Environment Agency chiefs are analysing the liquid, which has also been spotted off Essex. Officials and residents are left baffled!
Rebecca Douglas said: “It’s a mystery, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Officials believe it is a harmless glow-in-the-dark algae known as “sea sparkle” but asked dog owners to keep their pets away as a precaution.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We’re continuing to receive reports from the public of an orange-coloured substance in the sea off various beaches in Essex and north Kent. We expect the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science to report back to us today following laboratory tests on the substance. At this stage, we believe it’s a natural phenomenon and not considered harmful. However, as a precaution, local councils are recommending keeping dogs on leads and away from water until further notice.“
Environment Agency officers were sent to the scene to try and identify the substance.
“Samples taken at West Mersea today will be analysed by our experts, working with CEFAS, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.“
‘Not harmful, my ass!’ gasped a dying fish…
Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER. Share your thoughts in our DISCUSSION FORUMS. Donate through Paypal. Please and thank you
[The Sun]
