River Bóbr fish die-off sparks protest disrupting traffic in Kaczorów, Poland

On Sunday, a protest was staged on national road No. 5 in Kaczorów, Lower Silesia, to demand an explanation for the mass death of fish in the River Bóbr and the nearby Pilchowice reservoir. Participants entered the pedestrian crossing about every half hour between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., causing temporary traffic halts; the mayor of Bolków, Mirosław Pustuła, appealed to drivers to be cautious and follow police directions.

Organisers seek a thorough investigation of the ecological incident that occurred after a large release of water from the Pilchowice reservoir—necessary for dam repairs—when more than 23 tonnes of fish were found dead. They also demand compensation for tourism businesses, accountability for those responsible, and measures to limit contaminated sediment discharge. The Lower Silesian voivode has banned water use downstream, and the reservoir’s owner, Tauron Ekoenergia, had warned of possible fish deaths. Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig‑Kloska said she is awaiting a report on the situation.