Millions of fish in Switzerland are dying due to severe drought conditions, prompting emergency fish translocations to save surviving populations. The crisis has escalated over the past two months, with rivers and streams drying up and water temperatures rising dangerously high. Fish species such as trout, graylings, pikeperch, and bleak have been found dead in dry riverbeds or suffocating in overheated waters. Only a handful of remaining water bodies offer refuge, and these are becoming battlegrounds for survival. Authorities and volunteers are working tirelessly to relocate fish to cooler, more abundant sections of rivers using specialized equipment. The situation has worsened significantly along many Swiss rivers and streams. In areas once teeming with flowing water, today’s landscape reveals only rocks, sand, and gravel. This is particularly evident along the Emme River in the Bernese Emmental region, which serves as a critical habitat for brown trout. Local fisheries inspectors are collaborating with volunteers from the regional fishing association to rescue what they can, through so-called emergency fish translocations. These efforts involve using electric fishing gear to gently capture live fish and move them to safer, cooler stretches of the river. Over the past weeks alone, more than 50,000 fish have been relocated in the Emmental area. Volunteers from the local fishing association have been continuously engaged in this work, often under challenging conditions. Toni Liechti, president of the Emmental Fishing Lease Association, described the current state of affairs as “very dramatic.” He noted that the situation has reached a point where the Emme could soon lose its status as a viable fish habitat. The ongoing drought threatens not just the immediate survival of individual fish but the long-term health of entire ecosystems. With limited resources and personnel, some cantons struggle to carry out large-scale rescue operations. David Bittner, head of the Swiss Fisheries Federation, emphasized that the scale of the problem requires coordinated action across all regions. The Swiss Fisheries Federation warns of what could become the worst ecological disaster in the country's history. Bittner reported sightings of fish deaths across the nation, describing the current situation as potentially catastrophic if the drought continues for another two months. He stressed that while some cantons are managing localized rescue efforts, others lack the necessary staff and funding to conduct broader interventions. Emergency fish translocations remain one of the few available options to prevent further losses. However, these actions require official permits from local fisheries authorities, ensuring that they are carried out responsibly and legally. Volunteers play a crucial role in these efforts, often working alongside government officials to ensure the safety and well-being of the fish during relocation. The process involves careful handling to avoid stress or injury to the animals, with each captured fish being moved to a suitable location. Despite the challenges, the community response has been strong, with many individuals stepping forward to assist in the rescue operations. Local fishing associations serve as key points of contact for anyone wishing to contribute, whether through direct involvement in translocations or by reporting signs of distress among aquatic life. Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate residents on how to help protect fish populations. Experts advise avoiding disturbance of critical refuges, especially in smaller to medium-sized flowing waterways. Activities such as fishing and swimming should be avoided in these areas, and pet owners are urged to keep dogs away from such locations. If individuals encounter dead or struggling fish, they are encouraged to report their findings immediately to local fisheries authorities or the police. These measures aim to minimize additional harm to already vulnerable fish populations.
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