Ecological catastrophe on the Neretva River: Thousands of dead fish in the vicinity of the Ulog hydropower plant

(Patria) - An ecological catastrophe involving a mass fish kill occurred on Friday in the upper reaches of the Neretva River, immediately downstream from the Ulog hydropower plant.

- A massive fish kill was observed this morning, which occurred on the stretch from the machine building of the Ulog hydropower plant downstream to the mouth of the Ljuta River. The first video shows the scale of this catastrophic fish kill, which was likely caused by a prolonged drastic reduction in the downstream water flow from the Ulog hydropower plant reservoir.

Unfortunately, this would not be the first time a fish kill has occurred at this location, but this time it is a real massacre, according to the statement from the environmental protection association "Zeleni Neretva" Konjic.

- However, the second video shows today's sudden and massive increase in water discharge from the reservoir, forcing the videographer to literally flee the riverbed. We assume that this flood wave was intentionally caused solely to wash the dead fish downstream from the plant, thus preventing relevant authorities from seeing the true state of affairs on the ground. This is the only logical explanation, given that the Ulog hydropower plant is practically not in operation and these fluctuations in water levels are not caused by the regular operation of this, otherwise extremely controversial, power plant, they conclude in their statement.

Environmental organizations and the local population expect an urgent reaction from the competent institutions, as well as long-term protection of the Neretva River, which is one of the most valuable natural assets of Bosnia and Herzegovina.