Danube Tributary Drying Up, Threatening Fish Population in Serbia

The Petrovaradinski dunavac, a tributary of the Danube River near Novi Sad, is rapidly drying up, raising fears of a mass fish kill. Recreational fishermen have warned of the dire situation, where fish are becoming trapped in increasingly small pools of water.

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The situation is much more catastrophic.

Dušan Jovanović of the "Dunavac" Recreational Fishermen's Association described the scene as "catastrophic," noting that a channel that was once a meter wide and 5 cm deep has now disappeared. The remaining pools are warming, and fish are struggling for oxygen. Jovanović fears a sudden temperature drop could cause a "water overturn," releasing bacteria that consume oxygen, or that the remaining water will evaporate in upcoming heatwaves, leaving the fish to die.

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The relevant services have visited the site and determined that the pools are a consequence of the low Danube water level.

The association has appealed to authorities for an urgent rescue catch and relocation of the fish to the main Danube River. However, they have been informed that the area is not officially recognized as a natural spawning ground. JVP "Vode Vojvodine" stated they would monitor the situation and consider further actions. Jovanović disputes the assessment, asserting that the area is indeed a natural spawning ground, especially in spring when it is submerged. He argues that the blockage of a former Danube channel, which once surrounded the Petrovaradin island, has prevented water flow and contributed to the current crisis.

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I don't know how this isn't a natural spawning ground, because it definitely is.