The phenomenon was first noticed by Ilona Vaitkevičienė, the local deputy, who visited a quarry for a swim one early morning. She observed that the hole in the ice, which she had cut for swimming, was not alone, as fish began to appear and multiply in alarming numbers daily. The situation became critical as the fish, including perch and pike, were clearly suffocating due to a lack of oxygen beneath the thick ice. In response, she contacted the local municipality and fishermen to create more openings in the ice to save the fish before they perished.

This situation is not isolated as similar occurrences have been reported in other parts of Lithuania. Environmentalists explain that fish suffocate in water bodies when the oxygen levels drop significantly, a consequence of thick layers of ice that prevent normal oxygenation and hamper photosynthesis. This situation poses a threat not just to the fish population but also raises concerns among local communities about the ecological balance and health of local water bodies.

Specialists are urging immediate action in lakes and other water bodies to prevent further fish deaths and restore ecological balance. The involvement of local authorities and fishermen demonstrates a community effort to address environmental issues proactively, reflecting the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving biodiversity and responding to ecological crises.