Europe’s Summer Drought Threatens Fish and Livelihoods

Severe drought and extreme heat across Europe are threatening fish populations, fish farms and businesses as rivers and lakes continue to dry up.

In northern Serbia, parts of the Danube River have receded dramatically, leaving small ponds where young fish are struggling to survive. Water temperatures have risen above 30°C, creating dangerous conditions for aquatic life.

The crisis has affected fish farms across Hungary, Romania, Bosnia, the Czech Republic and Serbia, with losses estimated at millions of euros. The drought is also damaging crops, disrupting river transport and putting pressure on energy and water supplies.

Hungary Faces Major Fish Losses

Hungary has been particularly affected, with about 99% of the country experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.

Thousands of hectares of fish ponds are under pressure from water shortages and high temperatures. Authorities reported that 1,588 hectares of fish ponds had dried up, resulting in the deaths of nearly 280 metric tons of fish at 20 farms.

The financial loss has been estimated at about 1.3 billion Hungarian forints ($4.2 million). Fish producers warn that replacing the lost stock could take several years.

Romanian Fish Farmers Also Struggle

Romanian fish farmers are facing similar difficulties. The latest heatwave comes after severe droughts in 2023 and 2024, whose effects are still affecting fish production.

Experts say carp farming can take three to four years, meaning losses from previous droughts continue to affect production today.

Farmers say water policies that prioritized agricultural irrigation during earlier droughts left insufficient water for fish farms.

Scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to human-induced climate change, prompting governments and businesses to consider measures to better prepare for future droughts and heatwaves.

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