Experts Identify the True Cause of Fish Deaths in Lake Horashchykha

What Caused the Fish Kill in Lake Horashchykha?

According to Главком: Specialists have determined the cause of a fish die-off in Lake Horashchykha, located in the Puscha-Vodytsia area of Kyiv. The primary cause was a lack of oxygen under the ice during February. Laboratory analysis of water samples showed oxygen levels were normal, and no ammonia or toxic compounds were present, indicating that a mass poisoning or chemical contamination did not occur.

The bighead carp found on the lake's shores from March 21st actually died during the winter. Their death resulted from asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency. The fish displayed characteristic signs of this condition, including gray gills and open mouths. It is known the fish perished in mid-February, with the dead specimens remaining at the bottom of the lake for an extended period. Ice thickness on the ponds of the Koturka River cascade reached 30 cm, a factor that likely contributed to the oxygen deficit. Such winter fish kills, while unfortunate, are a natural phenomenon in shallow, ice-covered lakes where oxygen cannot be replenished from the air.

Ongoing Environmental Concerns in the Region

Separately, last year in the village of Zherebkove, within the Ananiv community of the Odesa region, the water in a local pond was observed to have turned pink. On October 13, 2025, a commission from the State Environmental Inspectorate of the South-Western District inspected pond No. 3 in this village. Water samples were sent for further analysis to the Ukrainian Scientific Center of Marine Ecology and the Basin Water Resources Management Authority of the Black Sea and Lower Danube Rivers.

The fish mortality in Lake Horashchykha underscores the importance of monitoring the environmental conditions of water bodies, especially in winter when natural processes can lead to critical situations for aquatic ecosystems.

The report of discolored water in Zherebkove also points to potential environmental issues that require careful study and prompt response from the relevant authorities. These incidents highlight the necessity for continuous water quality control and the implementation of measures to prevent similar situations in the future.

In light of the recent fish die-off in Lake Horashchykha, it's crucial to examine other environmental issues affecting local water bodies. For instance, a previous incident in the Odesa region raised alarms when a pond's water changed color, prompting an investigation into its quality. To learn more about the findings and implications of these water quality assessments, visit the ongoing water quality investigation in Kyiv's Gorashchykha Lake.