Oxygen has been pumped into the River Delph on the Ouse Washes to help save distressed fish.

The move comes after routine monitoring from the Environment Agency showed a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels in the washes.

Agency staff began aerating the water along the 30km river earlier this month to improve the levels of dissolved oxygen, which continue to fluctuate. The situation will be carefully managed over the next few weeks.

The tell tale signs of fish in distress are fish gasping at the surface of the water or swimming on their sides or upside down.

Kye Jerrom, fisheries officer at the Environment Agency, said: “This is a known problem which we monitor and respond to annually.

“So far we’ve avoided a major fish kill but we need to stay on top of the situation. We’re monitoring water quality along the entire length of the River Delph and are checking our aeration equipment daily.

“We’re asking the public to be vigilant. Fish can often be saved if they are helped quickly.”

If you spot fish in distress call the Environment Agency incident hotline number 0800 80 70 60 with a clear description of what you witnessed and the location so officers can investigate.