Welse threaten ecosystem on Lake Garda - fishermen raise the alarm!

Welse threaten ecosystem on Lake Garda - fishermen raise the alarm!

Gardasee, Italien - The Lake Garda, one of the most popular excursion destinations for German vacationers, has recently been struggling with a special problem: the spread of European catfish, a predatory fresh water fish, not only threatens the local ecosystem, but also the traditional fishing community (Ruhr24) . Fischer raises the alarm about the consequences of this invasive way, which is also referred to as "torpedos" and is now increasingly occurring in the southern part of the lake (Südkurier) .

catfish that thrive primarily in warmer waters, prefer the mild temperatures of Lake Garda. These circumstances favor their distribution because they not only eat everything that fits into their mouth, but also find hardly any natural enemies (Ruhr24) . These voracious robbers can become up to three meters long and weigh up to 200 kilograms. They reach an old age of up to 70 years and continue to grow throughout their lives, which makes them serious threat to domestic fish species and ecological balance.

The role of climate change

One of the main causes for the rapid spread of the catfish is climate change. Increasing temperatures create ideal conditions for these seals, which have a high reproductive rate and can therefore quickly multiply (Ruhr24) . As the WWF explains, climate change ensures that fish species have to withdraw into new areas, which also tightens the location of the domestic fishermen (wwf) .

To counter the catfish, divers like Stefano Govi ​​and Marco Porta are committed to a special hunting. With the help of harpoons and apnea technology - without oxygen bottles - go hunting. Their dives are usually short, between one and a half and two and a half minutes, and the captured catfish are then used as a food fish (Südkurier) .

The effects on tourism

The challenges that the Wels population brings with it affect not only the landscape and the ecosystem, but also tourism. The Lake Garda is known for its picturesque bank, which invite numerous vacationers to hike, cycle and swim. Despite the dangers that emerge from the predatory fish, they are usually not directly threatening for swimmers. However, electronic warnings indicate areas where it can be dangerous (Ruhr24) . In fact, catfish are nocturnal and do not use their little ones, blunt teeth to hunt for people.

With concerns, Filippo Gavazzoni, Vice President of the municipality of Garda, also comments on the Wels population. Fischer in the region could play a crucial role in containing the stocks. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the authorities react and what measures are taken to preserve the fragile ecological balance of Lake Garda (Südkurier) .

fischer and divers are therefore faced with a challenge that not only affects the local wild population, but also considerably questions the plans for sustainable use of fishing resources through climate change and the invasive catfish. It remains to be hoped that prevention strategies will be developed to minimize the harmful effects on the locals and to preserve the uniqueness of Lake Garda.