Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Report fish kills and water pollution

Are you wondering what to do when large numbers of fish die? Here you can find further information.

Detailed description

Especially in the summer months, a particularly high number of fish can die. Fish deaths can be triggered by various reasons, for example

  • Water pollution
  • high water temperatures
  • Fish diseases.

When fish kills or water pollution occur, it is important to take the necessary measures quickly to protect people, animals, and waterways from adverse consequences. If you observe fish kills or water pollution, please inform the responsible authorities as soon as possible. Contact one of the departments listed below and provide as much detail as possible.

  • where the incident occurred
  • what exactly you observed
  • how great the damage is.
 

Information

Prerequisites

You have noticed that an unusually high number of fish have died and/or that a body of water is contaminated.

Documents required

none

Please note

In Hamburg, water pollution and fish kills in large bodies of water should be reported to the Hamburg Department for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (telephone number 428 40 2300). Outside of office hours, you can contact the police by calling 110.



If possible, report water pollution and fish kills in smaller bodies of water such as swimming lakes, streams, retention basins, ditches, and ponds directly to the responsible district office. Further information can be found in the "Links" section.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You notice dead fish or unusual changes in the water (for example, cloudy water, oil film, smell).
  • You inform the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will take care of everything else. They will clarify what happened and, if necessary, initiate protective measures, inform those affected, and have pollutants or dead fish removed.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the type of report you submit.

Fees

none

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Not applicable

Forms and downloads

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Water Management

We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Keywords: Fish death in Hamburg waters Water pollution Fish carcass Blue algae bloom Blue-green algae

Last updated: 06.02.2026