Low Water Levels Threaten Fish in Serbia's Vojvodina Rivers

Fishers and officials in Vojvodina, Serbia say that unusually low water levels on the Sava and Danube rivers pose risks to aquatic life. While overall biodiversity is not considered endangered, reservoirs and canals that draw water from the Danube can become isolated, leaving fish without oxygen or water. Ljubomir Pejčić of the Vojvodina Angling Association warned that extreme droughts have already caused mass fish deaths in some impoundments, citing the completely dried‑up Čonoplje reservoir as a notable example.

Algal blooms, which thrive in organically loaded water, further stress the ecosystem, especially in wetlands and bar habitats that host protected species such as spined loach and bar carp. No specific fishing bans are in place, but anglers are advised to fish during early morning, late afternoon, or evening hours, and to report any signs of fish mortality to local authorities.