Wels albaum on Lake Garda: Fischer and vacationers on alert!

Wels albaum on Lake Garda: Fischer and vacationers on alert!

Am Lake Garda in Italy, a popular tourist destination, is spreading a new, worrying way: the catfish, also known as "torpedos". According to Ruhr24 are fisherman alerted about the rapidly increase of this greedy predatory fish. The warm temperatures of Lake Garda offer ideal conditions for European catfish, which is one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe and weigh up to 200 kilograms and can be three meters long.

The spread of the catfish is further favored by climate change, since these fish prefer warmer water. According to researchers from the Leibnitz Institute for water ecology and inland fishing, there is no reason to worry for bathers because catfish are nocturnal and have small teeth. Nevertheless, their high reproductive rate is a threat to the ecological balance in Lake Garda. Fischer demand support from the authorities to observe this development and, if necessary, counteract.

ecological effects and human interventions

The catfish are not the only predators in Lake Garda. Wolves, bears and lynxes can also be found in the region. The spread of this predatory fish could have a significant impact on the local wildlife, including ducks and cormorants. However, experts avoid panic by reporting that the claim that catfish would attack dogs is not confirmed.

The Lake Garda is not only known for its picturesque towns and its idyllic hiking routes, but it also home to rare fish species and crabs. Diving and hobby anglers in particular are targeting the catfish. Divers like Stefano Govi ​​and Marco Porta have specialized in hunting these fish with harpuni. The dives take an average of two and a half minutes, whereby the chances of survival of the fish are low when the hit is insufficient.

technical assessments and the way forward

Filippo Gavazzoni, Vice President of the municipality of Garda, expresses concern about the growing Wels population. The spread could increase in the coming years, especially when catfishes were intentionally introduced into the lake by hobby anglers. The fishermen force the high reproductive rate and the adaptability of the catfish to actively combat this kind. There are specific rules for fishing and diving in Lake Garda to protect the ecological balance.

In Germany, on the other hand, it is estimated that due to the changing climatic conditions, catfish of at least 1.50 meters in length could be caught in the domestic waters. These changes are not only a challenge for the existing fish stocks, but also for the fishermen who rely on sustainable practices in order to obtain the ecological balance.

The phenomenon of Wels spread is another example of the challenges that climate change in fishing brings. According to the wwf , many fish species suffer from the increasing temperatures and the increased carbon dioxide content, which has a negative impact on their reproduction and the food supply. Therefore, sustainable management and the protection of aquacultures are indispensable in order to secure future fishing and increase the sea biomass.

For the holidaymakers on Lake Garda, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect. The lake remains a popular destination for swimming, relaxing and for numerous leisure activities, despite the challenges that it experiences through the new species of predatory fish and climate change.