Heat puts Salzburg fish farms under financial pressure

Heat is causing problems for fish farms in Salzburg, with operators reporting financial losses, ORF reported on Sunday.

About 1.3 million fish normally live in the tanks and ponds of fish farmer Stefan Magg in Saalfelden in the Pinzgau region. This year, there are significantly fewer. Two rearing tanks are empty because spring water is unavailable.

Older fish are also struggling as water temperatures rise above 18 degrees and oxygen levels fall. “When water temperatures are high, there is less oxygen. If there is too little oxygen, the fish can die or become so weak that parasites take hold,” Magg said.

To prevent disease in his stock, Magg sold about 40,000 fish fry earlier than planned. He would normally sell them in autumn.

Fish farmers are now focusing on getting the remaining stock through the hot days. Giving the fish less feed and providing additional oxygen are intended to reduce stress and help the animals cope.