Drought drives losses of up to 50 percent at Styria fish farms

Fish farmers in Styria are reporting losses of up to half their stocks as high water temperatures and low water levels threaten trout and char, ORF reported.

More than 300 fish farmers in Styria are facing what they describe as an unprecedented situation caused by heat and drought. Marlies Haas, managing director of the Styrian Pond Owners and Fish Farmers’ Association, said they had used aeration measures and pumps to do everything possible.

Carp can tolerate higher water temperatures, Haas said, but trout and char require cooler water and are facing particularly serious challenges. Some farmers have lost up to 50 percent of their fish stocks, which can threaten their livelihoods.

Longer-term plans include applying for funding from Europe and seeking easier access to water from public bodies of water.

Christian Kohlmayr of the Ausseerland fishery also reported losses caused by the extreme weather and a power outage. The outage resulted in the loss of 2.9 tonnes of char, which he described as a serious disaster given the labour and energy involved.

However, about 110 tonnes of fish remain in facilities in Ausseerland. Kohlmayr said stocks, particularly for the inner Salzkammergut, and supplies remained secure overall. Deliveries to the 340 restaurant customers in the Salzkammergut are continuing regularly.

Fish farmers are planning adaptation measures to better cope with future extreme weather conditions.