Dead fish wash up on Kent beaches where sea turned orange striking fears water in area is toxic
Beachgoers found dead fish up to 2ft long at Ramsgate, Kent
DEAD fish are washing up on beaches after the sea turned orange — leading to fears the area is toxic.
Beachgoers found fish up to 2ft long at Ramsgate, Kent, as the sunset-shade liquid drifted ashore.
Rebecca Douglas said: “It’s a mystery, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Environment Agency chiefs are analysing the liquid, which has also been spotted off Essex.
They 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.
NATURAL PHENOMENON
"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.
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"We have also been liaising with Colchester Borough Council who would normally lead on any shoreline clean-up of public beaches, should it be required.
"We have since received similar reports from members of the public in Clacton and we are liaising with Tendring District Council at that location.
"Samples taken at West Mersea today will be analysed by our experts, working with CEFAS, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science."
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