Ashdod Rescues Fish After First Rains Cause Oxygen Drop
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Ashdod authorities successfully saved hundreds of thousands of fish after the first rains caused a dangerous drop in oxygen levels in the Lachish River. Municipal teams worked over the weekend, pumping 5,000 cubic meters of water and activating an aeration system to dilute pollutants and restore oxygen. The rapid response protected the river's aquatic life, which includes fish, turtles, and water birds.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ashdod municipality teams worked over the weekend to save hundreds of thousands of fish in the Lachish River.
- The first rains caused a drop in oxygen levels due to runoff, endangering aquatic life.
- 5,000 cubic meters of water were pumped into the river to dilute contaminants.
- An aeration system was activated, and oxygen levels were monitored for 48 hours.
- Ehud Moyal, Director of Environmental Enforcement, praised the swift and collaborative response.
- The Lachish River is a vital habitat for fish, turtles, and water birds.
Following the first rains of the season on Thursday, the Lachish River in Ashdod experienced a significant drop in oxygen levels due to runoff and debris, endangering the fish and aquatic life. In response, the Ashdod Municipality's Environmental Enforcement Department, with assistance from the Coastal Department and other professionals, worked around the clock over the weekend to stabilize the situation.
To combat the pollution and increase oxygen, 5,000 cubic meters of water were pumped into the river to dilute the contaminants. An aeration system was also activated, and teams conducted continuous oxygen monitoring for 48 hours. These rapid interventions successfully raised oxygen levels, saving hundreds of thousands of fish and protecting other wildlife in the river.
The annual challenge posed by the first rains, which carry sediment and organic matter from upstream, is well-known. This year's response highlights the municipality's preparedness and ongoing efforts to maintain the Lachish River, a vital habitat for fish, turtles, and water birds, and a central urban nature area.
Ehud Moyal, Director of the Environmental Enforcement Department, stated that the teams were prepared for the initial rainfall and acted swiftly upon detecting the oxygen decline. He thanked the department and coastal teams for their dedication and collaboration in protecting the river's ecosystem. The municipality emphasized that monitoring of water quality and wildlife will continue to preserve the ecological system and past restoration achievements.