A FISHING lake has been closed after hundreds of carp died.

Colchester Angling Preservation Society closed Layer Pit, in Layer de la Haye, after about 200 fish were found dead.

The fish died due to a bacterial infection and a lack of oxygen in the water, caused by there being too many fish.

The decision to close the lake was made following advice from a marine biologist.

Wayne Clarke, Colchester Angling Society’s fisheries officer, said the lake could be closed for at least three weeks.

He said: “There is no treatment for the infection in water of this size.

“The advice is to let nature take its course and reduce the angling pressure, which will reduce stress levels and they will probably fight off the infection themselves.”

Mr Clarke said the society would be feeding the fish two or three times a week and putting pellets of medication into the water.

The lake has up to 2,000 fish and on average its carp weigh 10lbs.

Mr Clarke said in previous years up to 60 fish have been lost.

Steve Dormer, the society’s honorary secretary, said a significant number of roach had also contributed to the biomass problem at the 17-acre lake.

Mr Dormer said there were about 14 tonnes of roach and six tonnes of carp.

He said: “The plan is to move the roach as soon as the weather is cold enough to do so. It has to be less than 11 degrees centigrade, otherwise it will just kill them.”

The roach will be sold once removed from the water.

The society, which is at the beginning of a 30-lease of the lake, said it has a legal obligation to take care of its fish stock.

Mr Dormer said: “We have a duty of care and if we ignore it we will be prosecuted.”