Environmental Decline of Lake Garda Sparks Concerns Over Commercial Fishing Crisis

A letter highlighted in an article by L’Arena on July 15, 2024, raises concerns about environmental decline in Garda and the crisis facing professional fishing. Testimonies from a 23-year-old fisherman and a veteran ex-cooperative president reveal a drastic reduction in catch sizes—from 80 kg of coregonus in the past to just over 8 kg today, with 20 kg now considered a good haul. The author estimates that at €10 per kg, daily earnings have dropped from €800 to significantly lower levels, impacting tax revenues from the sector.

The letter also criticizes local development policies favoring market-driven projects, citing the conversion of the Santa Corona hospital into a luxury hotel as an example. It references the hospital’s closure in 2004, the 2015 change of use, and the sale of the property for €7 million, amid concerns over job security and local services, especially as hospital services have been relocated to Gussago. Local officials, including the Gardone mayor and Confesercenti representatives, see potential opportunities in the Fasano area.
Italian Version