Van Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Directorate Initiated Investigation in Fisheries and Aquatic Products Department

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department teams of the Van Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Directorate have initiated a detailed study regarding the fish deaths occurring in the ponds located in the Özalp and Saray districts.

Investigation Details

• Teams responded to reports of fish deaths in Yumruklu in the Özalp district and Beyarslan (Çeçen) in the Saray district.
• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department teams conducted detailed examinations at the ponds by going to the region.
• Initial observations revealed the skeletons of dead carp fish around the ponds.
• Analyses conducted at Yumruklu and Beyarslan (Çeçen) ponds did not reveal any negatives (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, salinity).
• Water samples taken from the ponds were sent to the Elazığ Fisheries Research Institute for further analysis.

Expert Evaluation

In the statement made regarding the issue; it was indicated that the measured parameter values in the ponds were suitable for cyprinids. Due to the pond surfaces being covered with ice during the winter months, cutting off contact with air and the lack of water circulation, it was emphasized that carp fish might have died due to insufficient dissolved oxygen. However, it was stated that the exact cause of death would be clarified after other water analyses to be conducted at the institute.

Warnings and Recommendations

• Until the laboratory results are announced, the teams warned against consuming fish from the pond and giving pond water to animals.