La presence de peces dead in the rivers It's a phenomenon that worries both citizens and authorities, as it's a clear sign that something is wrong with our aquatic ecosystems. These types of episodes can have a variety of causes, from extreme environmental conditions to human intervention in riverbeds, to pollution from various sources.
Over the last few years, it has been documented cases of fish mortality associated with the execution of hydraulic works, toxic spills, and exceptional meteorological phenomena. The authorities, for their part, are trying to identify the source of these events and implement measures to eliminate or at least reduce the impact on wildlife and the river environment.
Recent case: mortality de peces associated with works on the Cabe River
In Monforte de Lemos, during the execution of restoration and improvement works on the Cabe River, took place death of forty trout In the midst of a heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The works, supervised by environmental officials, involved the demolition of a dam and the diversion of river flow through large canals. Despite the implementation of systems to ensure the survival of the fish fauna, the loss of some of the specimens present in the affected area could not be avoided.
The sanction imposed by the regional administration The Hydrographic Confederation responsible for the intervention sparked a debate about the difficulty of differentiating the direct impact of human activity from the effects of extreme weather events, such as the high temperatures of those days. It is noted that lack of oxygen, increased turbidity, or intense heat are factors that can cause mortality in fish.
During this process, coordinated action was taken to remove and evacuate the surviving fish. However, the administration sanctioned the responsible agency for not fully complying with the conditions established in the construction permit, although it did not specify the specific cause of the noncompliance beyond the appearance of the dead fish. The affected entity emphasizes that all operations were under constant supervision and that incidents were reported to environmental officials as soon as they were detected.
Mining pollution and toxic substances: another common cause of mortality
Beyond public works, in other geographical locations they have been detected critical situations due to pollution from mining activitiesIn certain regions, the discharge of heavy metals, arsenic or mercury into rivers This has had disastrous consequences for the environment and health. In areas close to mining operations, the water takes on abnormal hues, toxicity levels rise, and pollution occurs. mass appearance de peces dead, which forces authorities to restrict traditional uses of water, such as irrigation, consumption, and recreational or cultural activities.
Affected communities often mobilize to demand effective controls and solutions to halt ecosystem degradation. Experts emphasize that the presence of dead fish in rivers It is an early indicator of very serious imbalances, which may be accompanied by other manifestations such as a decrease in biodiversity, the appearance of foam, or changes in the color and odor of the water.
How to respond to these episodes and keys to their prevention
In view of the appearance of fish mortalities in rivers, Administrations often launch investigations To accurately determine the causes, water samples are taken at various locations, and parameters such as oxygen concentration, presence of contaminants, temperature, and other potential stress factors for the fish are evaluated.
Depending on the results, they can be applied sanctions and corrective measures Those responsible may be prosecuted if negligence or non-compliance with environmental regulations is proven. Monitoring protocols are also routinely strengthened and special surveillance measures are established when waterway construction, spills, or adverse weather conditions occur.
La citizen collaboration plays an active role: immediate reporting of incidents by fishermen and residents is essential to activate inspection and rapid response services. Furthermore, it is recommended to maintain river ecosystems in the best possible condition, minimizing any artificial alteration and improving connectivity and water quality.
Fish mortality events in rivers are often related to a combination of natural and human factors. It is important to join forces to prudently manage water resources, control activities that could endanger the balance of the river environment, and promote the involvement of all social and environmental stakeholders in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
