ANGLING has been temporarily banned at Farmoor Reservoir as staff battle to save fish from the heatwave.

High water temperatures have killed off some fish in the reservoir near Oxford, starving them of oxygen.

Thames Water, which manages the reservoir, is working to improve water conditions as the hot weather continues and has installed temporary pumps to aerate the water.

Oxford Mail:

It estimated about 20-30 fish had died per day since the water temperature rose, but said none had been found dead since Saturday.

A Facebook post by the Farmoor Reservoir Fishery page yesterday stated: "Oxygen and temperature levels in the reservoirs are improving and are expected to continue to do so based on how dependable the short term weather forecasts are.

Oxford Mail:

"We have sadly lost fish in both reservoirs but much less than we initially feared and not enough to have any negative impact on the reputation that Farmoor continues to enjoy."

It said it would release another update later this week. 

According to earlier posts on the page, one of the reservoir's two lakes closed in early July due to the water issues.

At the end of July it announced it would have to close the entire fishery, adding: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but once again the welfare of our fish is paramount."

Anglers who commented on the posts spoke in support of the closure.

One said: "Great decision, shame more fisheries aren't being so sensible."

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "Due to the recent hot weather, the water temperature in the reservoir rose so we took the decision to temporarily close to protect the stock of rainbow trout.

"We also brought in pumps to increase oxygen in the water but sadly a small number of fish died last week.

"We would like to reassure people this will not affect the quality of fishing at Farmoor Reservoir, which was recently named one of the top stillwater fisheries in the country.

"The situation is now returning to normal and with temperatures set to fall in the coming days, we hope to reopen within the week."