Welse on Lake Garda: The predator threatens the ecosystem and even dogs!

Welse on Lake Garda: The predator threatens the ecosystem and even dogs!

an alarming population of large catfish, also known as “torpedos”, spreads out on Lake Garda in Italy. These voracious robbers are a threat to the ecosystem and the local wildlife. Fischer warn that the catfish that can become up to three meters long and 200 kilograms could be a danger to ducks, cormorants and possibly even for small animals such as dogs. Despite these warnings, there are currently no confirmed reports on catfish that actively hunt dogs. The development of the Wels population is favored by climate change because the fish prefer warmer water.

The Lake Garda offers ideal conditions for the catfish, with mild water, plenty of food and few natural enemies. As Ruhr24.de reports higher water temperatures. The Fischer on Lake Garda therefore call for support from the authorities to protect the sensitive ecological balance.

a problem of epic dimensions

Marco Brognoli, an experienced underwater fisherman, describes the current situation as a "problem of epic dimensions". The area between Sirmione and Lazise is particularly affected, where the conditions for the reproduction of the catfish are optimal. Brognoli has been watching an increasing number of catfish, especially over two meters.

The catfish not only have a devastating impact on the fish stocks, but also hunt birds and could even endanger small dogs. During a dive, 14 catfish were recently harped within just 200 meters, which underlines the urgency of the situation. In order to counter this problem, Brognoli specifically demands the establishment of collection points and disposal solutions as well as targeted selection actions with the support of underwater fishermen.

The support of the authorities is required

The causes of the rapid increase in the WELS population are mild winter temperatures, a wide range of food and a lack of regulation. Brognoli also emphasizes the need for financial support to replace damaged equipment and enable effective measures to combat the Wels plague. He warns that the Lake Garda could possibly suffer the same fate as other lakes that were almost empty by overpopulation of the catfish.

Robert Arlinghaus from the Leibnitz Institute for Water Ecology and Inland Fishing notes that vacationers don't usually have to worry about the catfish, since they are nocturnal and do not pose a direct danger to people. Nevertheless, the concerns of the fishermen and environmentalists remain that the ecological balance in Lake Garda could be seriously at risk without adequate measures.