From jellyfish washing up on beaches to hundreds of dead fish left floating on the surface of ponds and rivers, changes in the weather have been having a devastating impact on these creatures in Kent.

In Wye, near Ashford, more than 700 fish died in the River Stour last week.

In Lower Radnor Park in Folkestone, residents were shocked at the sight of scores of dead fish on the surface of a pond creating a “horrific smell”.

The following day, a swarm of dead jellyfish washed up on Dymchurch beach.

The moon jellyfish and blue jellyfish were scattered across the shore, a naturally occurring incident which experts say could become more common as sea temperatures rise.

But why are all these fish dying and is climate change the reason? We asked the Environment Agency and Dr Carl Wright, chair of Canterbury Climate Action Partnership, for the answers.

What is causing all these fish to die in rivers?

The Environment Agency says it is common with changes in the weather.

As temperatures rise in the summer, the number of incidents staff at the authority are called to regarding dead fish is higher than any other time of the year.

A spokesman for the authority explained: "We believe that the problems we are seeing are as a result of low dissolved oxygen due to a combination of the high temperatures we have experienced recently, and the low atmospheric pressure caused by the thunderstorms.”

Hot, sunny weather and algal blooms can cause serious fish kills by reducing the dissolved oxygen that fish depend on.

Low rainfall increases the risk by reducing river flows and stillwater levels.

Intense summer rainfall, following a warm dry spell, can also be especially damaging as it can flush built-up polluting material or organic material, that uses up oxygen as it degrades, into water bodies.

Fish are susceptible to pollution, prolonged dry or warm weather and disease.

Some species are more vulnerable to warmer temperatures than others, in particular barbel, pike, grayling, trout and salmon.

What is causing the jellyfish to die?

When it comes to the jellyfish washing up on the shore, the Environment Agency says it is a common sight on the coast when a period of settled weather is followed by a change of wind direction.

Pollution was not ruled to be a cause at Dymchurch beach, but Owen Leyshon, from Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership says the incidents could become more common as the sea temperatures rise.

He previously told KentOnline: “It’s a common phenomenon that can happen at certain times of the year and generally speaking, it’s an indication of a warming sea.

“The sea temperatures are considerably high above average and what this does around the world is impact fish populations.

“As the temperatures warm, jellyfish populations do very well compared to other sea creatures so trends like more jellyfish washing up on beaches are going to become more frequent.

“The numbers will become larger as the sea temperatures warm so it’s an indicator that we should be concerned.”

How can we stop the fish from dying?

One of the things the Environment Agency says can prevent the deaths from escalating is good management by fishery owners.

A spokesman added: “We encourage all fishery owners to invest in their own equipment and facilities to safeguard their stocks, including having access to aerators and oxygen meters.

“In extreme cases, and where it doesn’t pose additional risks, the Environment Agency will rescue and transfer fish to a safe environment.

“We will prosecute those that break the law and pose a risk to fish and other wildlife.”

Rescuing and moving fish to other waters increases the risk of transferring disease and invasive non-native species, which can cause more harm than good.

Fish rescues should only be carried out as a last resort and only by the Environment Agency or somebody who holds a relevant permit.

For garden or ornamental ponds, owners are advised to ensure good water quality and to limit nutrient input from feeding wildlife and by preventing excessive growth of water plants.

Is climate change a factor?

Despite the occurrences being natural, experts say the sights could become more common with climate change.

Dr Carl Wright, chair of Canterbury Climate Action Partnership explains: “I think we can comfortably say there is a link between the fish dying and climate change.

“The link between climate and biodiversity and species loss, whether that be fish or plants or other animals, was specifically recognised at COP 27 in Egypt in November.

“Then it was underlined again in another UN conference in Montrealon Canada in December.

“This week it was announced we have had the hottest June on record.

“We have also had these tropical downpours inbetween which all point to abnormal weather patterns.

“The reduction in oxygen is put down to heavy downpours and changes in air pressure.

“Then you link back to abnormal weather patterns and climate change.

“The sea water has been warming up abnormally too so that will impact the jellyfish.

“Seaweed is fundamental to a lot of fish but there is evidence a lot of seaweed is dying too and it has declined hugely in the last few years.

“We have to deal with it or we will see more of this which will be disastrous for everybody.”

Today, the Met Office is set to say if the high temperatures seen in June are linked to climate change, according to the BBC.

What can we do to help stop climate change?

Dr Wright says reducing our carbon footprint as individuals can help.

He added: “We have got to get the carbon emissions down and that will reduce temperatures.

“It’s going to take years to achieve, and we are off target, but if we really get more serious about this at local and national level, we can deal with it.

“Individuals can do things too. We have launched an outreach programme in Canterbury for people to come and get advice every month about things they can do.

“It’s about informing the public about what they can do and that contributes towards it as well as councils, universities and businesses doing their bit.”

What can I do if I spot dead fish?

Members of the public who spot fish in distress can report it to the Environment Agency’s 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 so the authority can investigate.