The catfish plague on Lake Garda: Fishermen warn of monsters in the water!

The catfish plague on Lake Garda: Fishermen warn of monsters in the water!

Massive populations of catfish are currently spreading in Lake Garda, a popular tourist destination in Italy, causing concern among fishermen and conservationists. These voracious predators, also known as “torpedoes,” threaten native fish stocks and could seriously disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. According to a report by Ruhr24 This could also potentially cause problems for wildlife around the lake.

The European catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe and can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh 200 kilograms. They are known to be voracious omnivores, feeding on everything from a variety of fish, such as sardines and perch, to birds. Marie Brognoli, an underwater fisherman, expressed alarm: “The catfish could even endanger small dogs.” Despite such reports, however, it is emphasized that fears of attacks on people are unfounded. Robert Arlinghaus from the Leibnitz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries explains that catfish are nocturnal and do not pose a threat to swimmers.

Ecological threat

The spread of catfish in Lake Garda is favored by climate change. The mild water and climate conditions offer the fish ideal breeding opportunities, especially in the area between Sirmione and Lazise. Marco Brognoli has observed that catfish are now appearing everywhere in the lake after he discovered the first catfish five years ago. Large specimens over two meters long are no longer uncommon.

An impressive example of the increase in catfish populations was seen during a recent dive where 14 catfish were harpooned over a distance of just 200 meters. This massive increase has caused concern among fishermen as the predators are seriously threatening the ecological balance of the lake. In the Italian media, the catfish are already being referred to as the “Monsters of Lake Garda”.

Demands for action

Fishermen and conservationists are calling for urgent action from the authorities to preserve the ecological balance in Lake Garda. Brognoli has put forward suggestions such as collection points and targeted selection campaigns to combat the catfish plague. Financial support is also being called for for fishermen whose equipment has been damaged by the voracious fish.

The location is reminiscent of the lakes of Mantua, which were emptied by a similar plague of catfish. Fishermen are warning that Lake Garda could potentially suffer the same fate if quick action is not taken. The spread of these animals could change the region's landscape forever and seriously jeopardize Lake Garda's tourist appeal if left unchecked.