Hot weather, low oxygen causes fish kills in Taipei rivers
Hot weather and low levels of dissolved oxygen have caused fish to die in their thousands in the rivers of Greater Taipei, according the Taipei City and New Taipei City environmental protection bureaus.
The EPAs tested water and found no evidence of toxicity or pollution, but oxygen levels of 2.47 mg/l. Continuous hot weather and lack of rain has caused levels of dissolved oxygen in the rivers to drop, according to inspectors.
Fish kills have been reported in the Dahan, Hsintien, Keelung, and Danshui Rivers, with an accompanying malodorous stench.
In some areas, tens of thousands of dead fish have accumulated. Large numbers were seen between Zhongzheng and Huajiang Bridges on the Hsintien River, the Keelung River at Xizhi, and the Dahan River in Sanxia District.
The EPAs have dispatched clean-up teams to deal with the problem and expect to have the clean-up operation completed today, May 10. Aerators will also work in the next several days to increase oxygen levels in the rivers.
The Central Weather Bureau has released heat warnings as temperatures around Taiwan exceed 36°C. A monsoonal front approaching Taiwan should bring the first “plum rains” in the next few days, according to the CWB.
Cover Picture: Wenshan resident’s Facebook group.
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