A mass fish death event occurred in the River Wensum in Norwich’s city centre, with hundreds of fish discovered on Saturday appearing to struggle for air. Residents and wild swimmers reported finding the fish washed up along the river, with species including pike, carp, roach, eel, rudd, and dace identified among the casualties.
The Environment Agency attributed the incident to a combination of environmental factors. A recent heatwave significantly depleted dissolved oxygen levels in the water, while heavy rainfall on Thursday had flushed contamination from surface water drainage systems into the river. An agency officer attended the scene, and investigators determined these overlapping conditions—specifically low river flows combined with high temperatures—created the circumstances that led to the fish deaths.
Local campaigners and council members expressed concern about the ecological impact. Sarah Eglington, a member of the Wensum Riverkin group which advocates for river maintenance, noted a dramatic change in water conditions between Wednesday, when she swam there, and Saturday. Lucy Galvin, the Green Party leader of Norwich City Council, described the incident as devastating and linked it to broader climate change effects.
The River Wensum is a 44-mile waterway stretching through Norfolk and holds significant environmental designation. It is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, hosting over 100 plant species and diverse invertebrate populations. The river is considered one of England’s most important chalk river habitats.
The Environment Agency stated it would continue monitoring the river and coordinate with partner organisations in response to the incident.
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