Lake Garda Fish Restocking Boost: New Hunt for Native Species

The purchase of a patrol boat, the expansion of the surveillance service, and the operationalization of the Bardolino hatchery are the three new core elements of the aquatic fauna protection activities on Lake Garda carried out by the assessorate for ecology and environment.

“From a strictly technical perspective,” explained Camillo Pilati, “our goal is to expand and improve both the quantity and quality of fish restocking in Garda with native material from local stocks, with particular attention to the carpione.”

Certainly, significant financial investment will be necessary to achieve this goal, and simultaneously, some time—let’s say at least a couple of years—will be needed to see tangible results. But the commitment is there, and so is the will to complete the project.

It is precisely with the aim of recovering and mainly increasing the carpione, a species found exclusively in Garda, that the Province has purchased the Bardolino hatchery, initially owned by the Basin Authority and later by Veneto Agricoltura.

Fish production and experimentation

“In this facility,” explains the Provincial Administration ichthyologist Ivano Confortini, “the province will begin producing fingerlings and juvenile fish of species characteristic of Lake Garda starting next year. At the same time, reproductive experiments will be carried out mainly with carpione and lake trout, both species in significant decline.”

However, other important species will not be neglected, such as pike and perch, both highly appreciated by professional fishermen and, of course, by food enthusiasts.” The entire production will naturally be used for re-stocking Lake Garda, which is currently done with material purchased from private companies.

Facilities and management activities

To achieve these objectives, first the restructuring of the existing building and the new construction of the hatchery (hydraulic systems, tanks, etc.) and laboratory will be necessary. Management will be undertaken by the Administration, in ways that will be defined shortly, while for research activities, experts believe it may be advisable to collaborate with specialized public institutions, such as universities, with the province maintaining overall coordination.

Additionally, the Province does not exclude the possibility of agreements with private entities involved in research.

Use and future purposes of the facility

“The facility,” emphasized the assessor Pilati, “could also serve an educational and cultural function, perhaps initially hosting guided visits once a week.”

But that’s not all: a room within the plant could be designated as a gathering point for planning surveillance activities and, why not, could also serve as an informational hub for those, fishermen and non-fishermen alike, who are currently forced to visit offices in Verona.”

In short, there are many ideas for the use of the plant. The key is to understand which are immediately feasible and which require a phased approach over time.

However, a feasibility study—already underway—will soon provide all the necessary information, including economic aspects, to guide the next steps.

Eugenio Cipriani