Wildlife officers went into action today to save hundreds of fish dying in an overcrowded

village pond.

The Environment Agency launched a rescue operation after becoming concerned for the welfare of the fish in Lindfield Pond.

A team from the agency arrived at 9am to catch the fish and distribute them around other ponds in the area.

They used electric stunners before netting the fish from a boat.

Team leader Tim Harrison said: "Unfortunately the Lindfield pond has become overpopulated with fish, which makes them prone to disease and mortality.

"Reducing the numbers of fish alleviates this situation."

The agency was concerned that the fish were breeding so prolifically there wasn't enough food or oxygen in the water.

The stock includes carp, koy carp and goldfish. Because of

the overcrowding, some of the fish have caught diseases and died.

The operation to stun and net the fish attracted a small crowd of interested onlookers today.

Mr Harrison said: "This will leave more favourable conditions for the remaining fish at Lindfield Pond."

A team of six worked on the operation today.

They loaded fish into buckets from a flat-bottomed boat.

Some of the ornamental carp will be sent to Borde Hill Gardens at Haywards Heath.

Fisheries officer Marc Thain said: "The pond is shallow so the water warms easily. The type of fish in the pond breed well in warm water. The pond is also exposed to the sun because there is little shade around it.

"The fish spawn around June time. Potentially each fish can spawn thousands of offspring."

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