Authorities Seize 100kg of Shotgun Pellets in Sirmione, File Charges for Illegal Lead Use

Divers recovered 100 kg of old clay and ceramic discs from underwater sites near Sirmione’s Monte Baldo parking lot, during a three-hour dive involving twelve divers coordinated by WWF Sub. The operation aimed to address illegal lead ammunition in local waters, with the recovered debris linked to an ancient coastal shooting range.

The discovery was first made in 2025 by the University of Pisa’s underwater robot Zeno, in collaboration with WWF. The operation underscores ongoing concerns over lead contamination, especially following the EU Regulation 2021/57, which bans lead-based ammunition in wetlands and within 100 meters of them—a designation Italy disputes for this area. WWF and local groups plan further cleanup efforts and advocacy initiatives.
Italian Version