Dead fish at Rojales

The high temperatures of the last couple of weeks (between 35 and 40 degrees) and the lack of water are killing fish in the Segura.

Yesterday, hundreds of fish were spotted gasping on the surface of the river at Rojales. Many were already dead. The fish congregate in holes in the channel between Rojales and Guardamar. However, due to the hot weather some parts of the channel are dry and there is so little flow that the water is depleted of oxygen.

The CHS is taking measures to prevent further loss by introducing more water into the system by closing irrigation drains. It is a difficult situation though because the river is an important source of water for local agriculture.

The regeneration of the river at Rojales had been a great success. Not only had carp proliferated but several species of birds, varieties of snakes, turtles, eels and frogs have returned.

The last time there was a large loss of fish life in the River Segura was six years ago at Guardamar. On that occasion the problem was caused by pollution.