"Late Notification of Pollution"...Mass Fish Deaths in River Where People Were Playing, Polish Authorities Launch Investigation

Possibility of Water Quality Deterioration Due to Drought

Fish Massively Died in the Oder River, Poland [Image Source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A mass fish die-off occurred in the Oder River in Poland, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause.

On the 11th (local time), major foreign media reported that the Polish government urged residents not to enter the river while investigating the cause of the mass fish die-off in the Oder River.

According to reports, a representative from 'State Water Holding,' which manages Poland's water resources, stated, "Volunteers and anglers collected at least 10 tons of fish carcasses about 200 km north of the Oder River," calling it "a massive ecological disaster."

He added, "The low water levels in the river caused by drought in Europe may have worsened the pollution," and "A strong oxidizing agent may have entered the water, causing a rapid rise in oxygen levels that harmed the fish."

Biologist Ewa Druniak criticized the Polish authorities for their delayed response, saying, "Dead fish floated in the Oder River for the past two weeks, but the authorities did not issue any notice about it."

Druniak also said, "Just a week ago, dozens of people were seen bathing in the river, unaware of the danger."

The Polish environmental authorities have reported the pollution of the Oder River to the prosecution, and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated, "We will find and punish those responsible for polluting the river water."

Meanwhile, some municipalities in Germany adjacent to the Oder River have informed local residents not to enter the river or consume fish caught there until the cause of the mass die-off is identified.