The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management – Directorate for Fisheries has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of incidents on Montenegrin rivers that lead to fish deaths and wildlife destruction. They are urging all relevant inspections to enhance their oversight of nature and environmental protection, along with safeguarding human health.

This department noted that on June 24, 2025, an environmental incident resulted in severe turbidity in the Ćehotina River.

“According to the SRK ‘Lipljen’, which manages the fish populations in this region, the riverbed has been coated with gray silt, raising alarms about potential serious consequences for the local flora and fauna. The inspection supervision from this Ministry has recommended ongoing monitoring due to the possible detrimental effects on juvenile fish and benthos in this area. According to the Law on Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Ministry will establish a commission to assess the damage inflicted on the fish stock,” the statement indicates.

They also reported that on July 3, another pollution incident was identified in the Lješnica River, a tributary of the Lim, involving a toxic substance that resulted in the death of fish and other organisms located 1 km downstream. However, the source of this environmental incident remains unidentified for the time being.

“The inspections conducted by Ministry officials, responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Law on Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture, have confirmed damage to the fish stock and considerable mortality among salmonid species and other organisms. Samples of the deceased fish will be forwarded for further analysis to establish the facts. The case has also been reported to both law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office, given the serious threat posed to the environment and possible risks to human health,” the statement elaborated.

In light of this incident, the Ministry’s inspector alerted relevant authorities and mandated the removal of this noble fish.

“Sports fishing associations from Berane and Bijelo Polje are actively collaborating with the appropriate inspections to facilitate the removal of dead fish. Given the current dry spells and diminishing river water levels, even a small amount of pollutants can have disastrous effects on fish populations. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management – Directorate for Fisheries urges all municipalities to heighten control over entities under their jurisdiction, particularly regarding wastewater discharges,” stated the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

They specifically emphasized the urgent need for more rigorous inspection measures related to environmental protection and human health, due to the increasingly frequent incidents on Montenegrin rivers.

“The Ministry warns that such occurrences must not be repeated and urges all competent institutions to promptly identify and adequately penalize offenders responsible for environmental crimes in response to specific regrettable events on Montenegrin rivers!” the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management concluded its statement.

News