Pristava Lake experiences mass fish die-off

A massive fish die-off has occurred in Pristava Lake and the Pesnica River in the Lenart municipality, with estimates suggesting more than ten tons of fish have perished. The Pesnica-Lenart Fishing Family reported a decline in water oxygen levels starting last Friday.

Authorities believe the cause is linked to current drought conditions and the overgrowth of water chestnuts, which has increased oxygen consumption in the lake. In response, 120 firefighters from 12 different units worked for 25 consecutive hours to aerate the water. Civil protection units also pumped approximately 3,600 cubic meters of water into the Pesnica River to raise water levels and oxygen content.

While these emergency measures provided temporary relief, officials noted that without new rainfall, continuous monitoring will be required. Laboratory analyses and reports from official institutions are pending to confirm the exact cause of the event.