Probe after ‘freaky’ wipeout of hundreds of fish in iconic loch next to Linlithgow Palace – Daily Record
Hundreds of fish have been found dead in a popular loch next to Linlithgow Palace, with experts baffled as to the cause of the ‘freaky’ mass die-off.
The grim discovery was made by walkers and locals who noticed large numbers of dead fish floating on the surface of Linlithgow Loch, a historic and picturesque body of water that borders the ancient palace and is a popular destination for leisure activities.
Initial reports indicate that the dead fish include roach, perch, and pike. However, the scale and speed of the die-off have led to concern and speculation. Local anglers, accustomed to the loch’s abundance of fish, expressed shock at the sudden loss of life.
The cause of the fish die-off is currently unknown. Experts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are now investigating the incident and collecting water samples to analyse. Preliminary investigations haven’t uncovered any obvious pollution or foul play. The potential contributing factors are being considered and explored, ranging from oxygen depletion to an algal bloom.
“It’s pretty freaky,” commented a local fisherman. “I’ve been fishing here for years and never seen anything like it. So many dead fish, all over the place.” Another resident, who regularly enjoys walks around the loch, echoed these sentiments: “It’s upsetting to see so much life lost, especially in such a beautiful and iconic location.”
Linlithgow Palace, a prominent Scottish historic site dating back to the 14th century, stands as a reminder of the country’s rich history. Linlithgow Loch’s presence adds to the majesty of the surroundings and plays an integral role in local recreational and ecological wellbeing.
A spokesperson for SEPA said: “We are aware of the incident and investigating the potential causes. Water samples have been taken and will be analysed. Our findings will inform the next steps in our investigation.”
With a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that led to the die-off, officials aim to take necessary steps to protect the Loch’s ecosystem. It is hoped that this probe will prevent further incidents and help restore the Loch’s rich biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.
In the meantime, the public is being advised to avoid direct contact with the loch water as a precaution until the investigation is complete.
This article is intended to keep the public informed and is based on current available information. Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.
