Coregone in Lake Garda: Illegitimate Exceptions and Environmental Impacts
Concerns have been raised regarding the introduction of coregone fish into local lakes, as regional councilor Paola Pollini from the Five Star Movement accused authorities of issuing illegal exemptions to the prohibition on this species. Pollini claims that these exemptions violate the Habitat Directive, lacking adequate scientific studies to support the decision. This issue arose following amendments to regulations that allow for the repopulation of coregone, which some have hailed as progress for local biodiversity.
Pollini intends to report the situation to the European Commissioner for the Environment, arguing that the exemptions lack technical justification and could threaten local ecosystems. Current regulations, established in 2020, mandate a “risk assessment” before introducing non-native species, yet no such studies have been conducted in the past five years. The extension of these exemptions until May 2026 is viewed by Pollini as a setback for the region and a deviation from scientific principles and European regulations.
Italian Version