A strong call from the fishermen to the farmers: Stop now!

A group of fishermen from Koper have issued a sharp warning to local farmers over illegal water extraction from the River Rizana, accusing them of contributing to dangerously low water levels and threatening aquatic life. The fishermen, who operate in the area, posted a message on Facebook urging anyone drawing water without permission to stop immediately. They claimed that during periods of sufficient river flow, their guards had ignored such violations, but now, with water levels critically low, they will take action. The situation has escalated due to extreme heat and reduced river flow, which has led to dangerously high water temperatures in the lower reaches of the Rizana. According to the fishermen, the water has reached temperatures exceeding 26 degrees Celsius, causing fish to become lethargic and die. They emphasized that while some farmers may produce goods for sale, none are genuinely dependent on agriculture, and therefore should respect both themselves and the river by ceasing unauthorized water withdrawal. The fishermen’s warnings come after similar calls were made earlier this summer, yet reports suggest these efforts have not been effective. In late July, the Slovenian Water Directorate warned that there has been a dramatic increase in groundwater extraction using submersible pumps for irrigation and livestock watering, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. The agency stressed that such activities require a water permit, which ensures an ecologically acceptable minimum flow rate (Qes) necessary to maintain the health of the river and its surrounding environment. Under Slovenia's Water Act, unauthorized water extraction can result in fines ranging from €400 to €1200 for individuals, up to €4000 for independent business operators, and even higher penalties for legal entities. The fishermen have highlighted that current conditions make such activity particularly harmful, as the river’s capacity to sustain life is already under severe strain. The drought conditions across Slovenia have worsened, with parts of the country experiencing extremely dry weather. Data from the Slovenian Environmental Agency (Arso) shows that rainfall levels are below normal in much of the country, with some regions recording less than 20% of average precipitation. These conditions, combined with unusually high temperatures, have accelerated evaporation rates, further stressing water resources. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, but enforcement remains challenging. Farmers, many of whom rely on irrigation for crops and livestock, argue that they have limited alternatives given the prolonged dry spell. However, the fishermen insist that continued illegal water use will lead to irreversible damage to the river ecosystem, potentially affecting both wildlife and human communities downstream. As the summer progresses, the pressure on water resources is expected to intensify. With no immediate signs of relief from the ongoing drought, the conflict between agricultural needs and environmental protection is likely to remain a contentious issue. The outcome of this dispute will depend on whether local authorities can enforce existing regulations effectively and whether alternative solutions, such as more efficient irrigation methods or increased water conservation measures, are adopted promptly.