Due to the drought, many streams, canals and ditches in Vorarlberg have become small streams. The consequences for the fish are dramatic. But there is also good news.
The small streams and ditches in the Ländle are a sad sight these days. Large sections are almost completely dry and every now and then a small trickle makes its way through gravel and stones. In those places where pools have formed, crowds of fish crowd. Quite a few already swim with their belly up. If it doesn’t rain soon, most will die a quiet death – either from starvation, suffocation from low oxygen, or simply from running out of water.
Large-scale rescue operations
But some fish are lucky enough to be rescued. Members of fishing associations, for example, are swarming across the country to fish out the stock in small waters and re-establish it in larger rivers. On Friday alone, the Bregenzerwald fishing association rescued 1,200 brown trout from dried-up streams and ponds – they now swim in the Bregenzerache, which still has plenty of water. The population also helps diligently, it is often children who collect the fish with small nets and move them to deeper pools.
It is not yet possible to estimate whether the fish population will suffer permanent damage. Fortunately, many species had very good reproductive success this summer. This applies not least to the Lake Constance fish. The extensive seagrass beds are not only a food source for young fish, they also offer perfect protection against predators.
But one thing is also clear: if it doesn’t rain a lot soon, fish kills will take on much more dramatic proportions.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
