Mass fish deaths in Lake Batur were triggered by natural limnology and hydrothermal events

Denpasar (National Archipelagic Wire) - The Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revealed that the phenomenon of thousands of fish suddenly dying in Lake Batur, Bangli Regency, was triggered by natural limnological and hydrothermal dynamics.

"This is not an indication that an eruption will occur on Mount Batur," said Acting Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lana Saria, confirmed by National Archipelagic Wire in Denpasar, Bali, Friday.

Limnology is the science of land water ecosystems whose study reveals the structure and function of relationships between land water organisms and their relationship to the physical, chemical and biological dynamics of the environment.

Based on analysis by the Geological Agency, the phenomenon of gas explosions in the largest lake on the Island of the Gods is related to the natural dynamics that occur within the caldera of Mount Batur.

He explained that under certain conditions, especially when there is mixing of water masses (overturn/upwelling), water from the bottom layer of the lake which lacks oxygen and contains dissolved gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), can rise to the surface.

The release of this gas, he added, could cause a sulfur smell and a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in the waters, potentially causing mass fish deaths.

Meanwhile, regarding volcanic activity on the volcano as high as 1,717 meters above sea level, Lana added that there was no indication of an increase in volcanic seismicity.

"The activity level of Mount Batur is still at level I or normal with recommendations for tourists or the public not to do activities in the crater of Mount Batur," he added.

Previously, since the beginning of this week, thousands of tilapia fish, including those cultivated by farmers, have died en masse.

Until now, the Bangli Regency Government through the Bangli Regency Food Security and Fisheries Service (KPP) is calculating the estimated number of dead fish.