Heavy rain leads to fish mortality in Alster canals

Environment - Heavy rain leads to fish mortality in Alster canals

Strong rainfalls of the past week have led to fish deaths in Hamburg's Alstercanals. The Hamburg Environment Office reported that there is currently a fish death in the Osterbek Canal. The fish are to be removed from the water by employees as soon as possible.

Large quantities of organic materials - including pollen, dust, soil, and feces - have been washed into Hamburg's waters due to the heavy rain. The biological breakdown of these organic inputs in conjunction with already elevated water temperatures can result in oxygen depletion, which can be fatal for fish.

"There are currently no short-term measures that can prevent an oxygen depletion situation during stronger rain events and summer temperatures," the Office stated. Long-term measures such as water body naturalization or riparian buffers could prevent oxygen depletion in water bodies. Additionally, waterfowl should not be fed.

1. The excessive precipitation has also caused an influx of organic materials, like pollen and soil, into Hamburg's environment, potentially harming other animals besides fish.
2. Despite the ongoing efforts to remove dead fish from Hamburg's Alstercanals due to the rain, the continued precipitation and high temperatures could lead to more fish mortality.
3. In light of the heavy rain and its impact on water quality, Hamburg may need to consider implementing long-term strategies, such as water body naturalization and riparian buffers, to improve the overall environment and prevent future fish mortality events.

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