by InTrieste
A recent fish die-off in the pond at Villa Revoltella, one of Trieste’s most prominent public parks, was caused by low oxygen levels in the water, a condition attributed to the intense heat that has affected the region in recent days, local authorities said on Friday.
Environmental technicians from the Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Arpa FVG) were called to the site after reports of dead fish in the pond, which is located within the grounds of Villa Revoltella, a 19th-century estate owned by the Municipality of Trieste.
According to regional officials, four large Japanese carp and all of the turtles inhabiting the pond were successfully rescued following a rapid response involving Arpa FVG specialists, the regional forestry corps, and the city’s local police force. However, four other carp and approximately 20 smaller fish could not be saved.
Fabio Scoccimarro, the regional councillor for environmental protection, energy and sustainable development, visited the site following the intervention.
Technicians measured the pond’s oxygen levels using specialized probes and found that oxygen saturation had fallen below 30 percent, a threshold considered critical for aquatic life. Officials said the prolonged period of high temperatures likely contributed to the reduced oxygen concentration in the water.
To prevent further losses, authorities worked to reactivate the pond’s fountain, which helps aerate the water and increase oxygen levels. The measure provided temporary relief while an emergency pump truck was deployed to restore adequate oxygenation.
The intervention stabilized conditions in the pond and prevented additional harm to the surviving fish and turtles, officials said.
Villa Revoltella Park, a popular green space in Trieste, is known for its landscaped gardens, historic architecture and ornamental water features. The incident highlights the challenges that periods of extreme heat can pose to urban ecosystems, particularly smaller bodies of water where oxygen levels can decline rapidly during hot weather.
Regional authorities thanked the emergency responders and environmental specialists involved in the operation, noting that the prompt assessment of water conditions made it possible to identify the cause of the problem and take corrective action before further wildlife was affected.
