The Wels plague on Lake Garda: Fischer warn of monsters in the water!

The Wels plague on Lake Garda: Fischer warn of monsters in the water!

in Lake Garda, a popular travel destination in Italy, are currently spreading massive catfish stocks that trigger concerns with fishermen and conservationists. These voracious robbers, also known as "torpedos", endanger the local fish stocks and could seriously disturb the balance of the ecosystem. According to a report by Ruhr24 this could also lead to problems for the animal world around the lake.

European catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe and can be up to 3 meters long and 200 kilograms. They are known as voracious omnivores that diet from different fish, such as sardines and perches, to birds. Marie Brognoli, an underwater fisherman, is alerted: "The catfish could even endanger small dogs." Despite such reports, however, it is emphasized that the fear of attacks on people is unfounded. Robert Arlinghaus from the Leibnitz Institute for water ecology and internal fishing explains that catfish are nocturnal and do not represent a threat to swimmers.

ecological threat

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

An impressive example of the increase in the catfish was shown in a recent dive, in which 14 catfish were harped over a distance of only 200 meters. This massive increase has taken care of the fishermen because the robbers seriously endanger the ecological balance of the lake. In Italian media, the catfish are already called "Monster from Lake Garda".

demands for measures

fishermen and conservationists urgently demand measures from the authorities to preserve the ecological balance in Lake Garda. Brognoli has introduced suggestions such as collection points and targeted selection actions to combat the Welspage. Financial support for Fischer, whose equipment was damaged by the voracious fish, is also required.

The location is reminiscent of the lakes of Mantua, which were eaten empty by a similar Windlock. Fischer warn that the Lake Garda could possibly experience the same fate if not traded quickly. The expansion of these animals could change the landscape of the region forever and seriously endanger the tourist attraction of the Gardase if it is not pushed back.