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UK's heatwave is so severe thousands of fish are being rescued as rivers dry up

The UK heatwave is drying up rivers and leaving parklands parched (Rex features)
The UK heatwave is drying up rivers and leaving parklands parched (Rex features)

Thousands of fish are having to be rescued as the fierce UK heatwave dries up rivers and streams.

Since April, 26 fish rescue operations have been conducted by the Environment Agency (EA) in England to prevent populations from being wiped out in the heat.

Agents have been forced to pass electrical currents through the water in some rivers in order to stun fish and then move them elsewhere.

‘It’s the only real way we can get to them and get them out,’ Environment Agency manager Dave Throup told Radio 4.

Two satellite images released by NASA taken months apart has reveal the effect the recent heatwave has had on England. (NASA)
Two satellite images released by NASA taken months apart has reveal the effect the recent heatwave has had on England. (NASA)

‘We put them back down further downstream and they will recolonise this area again. Whatever we can do to protect these fish is important.’

As well as the issue of evaporation, the boiling hot temperatures have also increased the levels of blue green algae in many rivers.

When the toxic blooms reach high levels the oxygen content of the water is reduced, and the fish can be suffocated to death.

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Today an amber ‘heat health watch’ warning was issued by the Government for parts of England, as forecasters predict the hottest day of the year so far.

People are being urged to stay out of the sun as much as possible during the hours of 11am and 3pm.

This type of warning is released when temperatures are predicted to hit 30C (86F) during the day, and 15C (59F) at night, for at least two consecutive days, a Met Office spokeswoman said.

SLIDESHOW: HEATWAVE UK SWELTERS DURING ‘SECOND WARMEST JUNE EVER’

During the current heatwave, UK temperatures have been approximately 10C higher than average for this time of year.

The sweltering temperatures could also pose a danger to Britain’s wild berry crops, as fruits are ripening much earlier than normal.

The Woodland Trust warned today that if the current hot, dry weather continues, the lack of rain could lead to berries being smaller or dropping from trees and shrubs altogether.

Migratory birds such as fieldfares and redwings which arrive in the UK in around October could see less food if the resident wildlife has taken their share first.