Alarm on Lake Garda: giant catfish threaten the ecosystem and tourism!

Alarm on Lake Garda: giant catfish threaten the ecosystem and tourism!

At Lake Garda in Italy, a lot is happening. Fischer and environmentalists raise the alarm, because the giant catfish, which are also referred to as "torpedoes", spread rapidly. These voracious robbers could endanger the ecological balance of the popular holiday destination. According to Ruhr24 Climate change is favored. Higher water temperatures not only bring advantages for the catfish, but also put local species under pressure.

The fishermen are concerned about the rapid spread of the catfish that eat everything that comes in their way and thus represent a threat to local species such as perch. These are particularly at risk from the catfish because its spawn is eaten. Marco Brognoli, a local diver, describes that he and his friends were able to catch 14 catfish within 200 meters on a dive. What this means for the ecosystem also makes a look at other Italian regions. In Mantua, lakes were almost emptied, which increasingly puts on tourists, reports Vol .

ecological balance in danger

The special situation between Sirmione and Lazise on the southwestern bank of Lake Garda offers ideal conditions for the Welsen: clear water and flat riparian zones. These circumstances not only have an impact on the fish population, but also on water birds and smaller mammals, which can also become prey of the catfish. Fischer calls for support from the authorities to contain the superior population and to protect the ecological balance of Lake Garda.

Robert Arlinghaus from the Leibnitz Institute for Water Ecology and Inland Fisheries soothes: vacationers do not have to be afraid of the catfish, since they are primarily nocturnal and have small, blunt teeth. Nevertheless, there is concern that the growing Wels population could cause significant damage that could also affect economically, such as "https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/invasive-arten-wachsende-fuer" target = "_ blank"> eea

The challenges of the invasive species

With over 10,000 areas of local species that are widespread in Europe, at least 15 % are classified as invasive. These invasive species not only have negative effects on the environment, but also on the economy. The reasons for the introduction of such species are diverse and range from horticulture to agriculture to tourism and fishing. Climate change also plays a role in this because it makes it easier to spread these species.

Despite the positive aspects of tourist activities and ecological recreational options, it becomes clear that the biological diversity is at risk. According to EEA, 110 domestic species are threatened with extinction and one of the main causes for the decline are invasive species like the catfish. The estimated economic damage caused by these non -regional species amount to at least 12 billion euros annually in Europe.

The situation on Lake Garda is more than worrying. The fishermen and divers ask politicians to act quickly to develop a structured contamination strategy. Suggestions such as the establishment of collective and disposal points for catfish could be the key to saving the sensitive ecosystem. Because if the Lake Garda would continue to exist as a popular holiday destination, a good handling of nature should be in the top.