The recent heatwave in Gipuzkoa, with temperatures exceeding forty degrees and record water temperatures, is also impacting river environments. The inhabitants of these rivers, such as trout, are directly suffering the consequences of these extreme weather events.
This has been warned by the Gipuzkoa Fishing Federation. While sea and beach temperatures dominate headlines, these events significantly affect river fauna. Eels, for instance, are experiencing mass die-offs as rivers lose volume, leaving them trapped in isolated pools where they perish due to lack of oxygen or rising water temperatures.
This latter condition also jeopardizes the survival of trout in Gipuzkoa. These fish, belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily, are at risk of death once river water temperatures surpass twenty degrees Celsius.
“"Be very careful. We are entering the low-water season, rivers are running very low, and with this heat, the water temperature rises to limits where our beloved trout begin to be endangered. When the river temperature exceeds twenty degrees, mishandling a trout can cause its death. In these hot days, treat them with great care as always."
In addition to the Leitzaran, Urumea, and Oria rivers, the Araxes River has become a popular spot for trout fishing due to its intensive catch-and-release fishing zone. Notably, a large number of specimens were released there last April for sport fishing.
