The Lake district is known to many as a serene peaceful holiday retreat and a location good for walking, cycling and water sports. However in recent years, the Lakes of Cumbria are becoming strained due to higher populations around the lakes, tourist booms and changing weather patterns.
The vendace fish which inhabits Bassenthwaite’s cool waters is under particular pressure from rising water temperatures. Many species that thrive in and around the Lakes are sensitive to even minute temperature changes, but the Environment Agency are so worried about the vendace fish that a small selection of the healthier specimens have been moved to lakes in Scotland. If conditions in the lake worsen, the species may be able to be re-introduced at a later date.
As human populations increase around the lakes, more water is being used by homes and businesses. Coupled with rising temperatures and increased pollution, it’s easy to see that the lakes could lose their charm if environmental issues such as these are not kept in check.
John Collins of the Environment Agency stated,
“We’ve worked hard to clean up our rivers and beaches, and in some ways lakes have been a poor relation, and yet there are unique species in the Lakes, like the vendace fish. The ecosystems are fragile, and suffer from pollution and the changing climate.”
Other items you might find of interest:
- New EU River Quality Standards Show The UK’s Rivers Are Below Par
- There Aren’t Plenty More Fish In The Sea According To ‘The End Of The Line’
- Water Meters – The Environment Agency’s Answer to Water Wastage
Tags: cumbria, lake district, lakes, water pollution