Drought pushes Upper Austria’s fish stocks into survival crisis

Fish in the streams and rivers of Upper Austria are facing a struggle for survival during this summer’s heat and drought, ORF reported. The Upper Austrian fishing association says it receives daily reports of fish rescue operations, but many fish have already died.

Local fishing clubs and associations are trying to prevent further losses by moving fish from shallow sections of streams and rivers into deeper water, said Klaus Berg, managing director of the Upper Austrian fishing association.

Cold-water species are particularly affected, especially brown trout, Berg said. Almost all waterways across Upper Austria have been affected, with the Laudach, Gusen, Pesenbach and Mattig among the hardest-hit rivers. The full extent of the damage will not be known until autumn.

Berg said the situation had not been this severe for more than 20 years. Fish farming has also been affected, with production partly halted or sharply reduced. The fishing association expects the decline in production to push up fish prices.