Alarm on Lake Garda: Invasive catfish threaten domestic species!

Alarm on Lake Garda: Invasive catfish threaten domestic species!

Gardasee, Italien - The Lake Garda in Italy, a popular destination for tourists and divers, faces a serious threat from invasive species. This picturesque lake, particularly known for its clear water and the spectacular bank landscapes, is increasingly being hit by a large number of invasive species that endanger the local ecosystem. Especially in the northern area around Riva del Garda, divers and fishermen notice a worrying increase of these species.

A local diving group that documents the underwater life and the challenges of the ecosystem raises the alarm. The invasive species that multiply rapidly include crabs, mussels and particularly threatening "monster" catfish that can be up to three meters long and displace endemic species. Fischer on Lake Garda have already urged this problem because the huge catfish not only reduce the fish stocks, but also attack other animals such as water birds and small mammals.

threat from giant catfish

The giant catfish spread particularly in the areas between Sirmione and Lazise and thus endanger the ecological balance of the lake. According to the divers around Marco Brognoli, the conditions in Lake Garda are ideal for increasing this catfish: clear water, flat riparian zones and high water temperatures enable the population quickly. During a dive, Brognoli and friends were able to catch 14 catfish within just 200 meters last year. The catfish also disturb the reproductive cycles of the local species, especially in barns, whose spawn is eaten.

The situation is reinforced by other invasive types such as the red Louisiana River Cancer (Procambarus Clarkii) and the Quagga shell. Red Louisiana River Cancer, also known as "alien shrimp", is to be brought under control and heavily under control. His natural predators, such as seagulls, herons and some fish species, cannot keep up with the rapid multiplication of the species. The Quagga mussel, which has been known in Lake Garda since 2023, deprives the water to the water and increases the oxygen consumption, which causes further damage.

reactions and recommendations for action

The alarming situation has triggered concern with environmentalists and tourist providers. While the fishermen immediately require a structured contamination strategy, there are suggestions for the establishment of collective and disposal points for catfish, similar to the regulation of wild boar in order to offer the fisherman a remuneration. It has already been observed that in other Italian regions such as Mantua lakes were almost empty by invasive species, which also led to a decline in tourism.

Thus, Lake Garda are not only facing ecological but also economic challenges. The future of the lake now depends on a quick and effective reaction of regional politics in order to preserve the fragile balance of the ecosystem and to ensure the positive influence on tourism. Experts warn that without suitable measures, the beauty and attractiveness of Lake Garda are considerably at risk.