Perín‑Chym fish ponds face critical water shortage amid extreme heat

Extreme temperatures in eastern Slovakia have pushed the 110‑hectare fish ponds near Perín‑Chym into a severe crisis. Pond manager Matej Grentzer said the situation is the worst he has seen in his 40‑year career, with water levels dropping, temperatures reaching 33 °C and the critical threshold of 35 °C looming.

The low water column and rising heat have depleted oxygen, forcing continuous operation of aeration pumps and water‑circulation systems, which raises operating costs. The ponds, a protected wetland area in the Bodvianska depression, house mainly carp species along with pike, catfish and eel. Officials warn that without sufficient rainfall the ponds could suffer massive fish mortality before the October harvest.

Efforts to stabilise pH through liming are underway, but the underlying drought and heatwave remain beyond local control, leaving the aquaculture operation vulnerable.