Aug 17, 2026

Czech Fish Farmers Take Emergency Measures Amid Prolonged Drought

Prague Morning

Fish farmers reduce or suspend supplementary feeding to lower oxygen consumption, reports say.

Fish farmers in the Czech Republic have begun taking emergency measures as a prolonged drought, worsened by high temperatures across Europe, strains water supplies.

Facing water shortages, fish farmers have reduced or suspended supplementary feeding to lower fish oxygen consumption, while ponds are being regularly aerated, according to the report.

Several ponds have also been netted earlier than usual.

In the Třeboň area, which delivers tons of carp for the Czech Christmas table, part of the 200-hectare Koclířov pond has been drained and the fish moved to holding tanks.

More than a third of the water is missing from the region’s famous system of fish ponds due to the drought. The water level in Lake Svět, for example, has fallen by 98 centimetres. High temperatures are also causing water to evaporate more quickly.

The Czech government is expected to address the 2027 budget, upcoming elections and measures to tackle worsening drought.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has pledged an extra CZK 4 billion for drought-related measures. If approved, ministers will present plans for implementing them.