The sanitization of the hulls and engines of boats arriving from other bodies of water is in the process of being approved, with the aim of protecting the local ecosystem from “alien attacks,” that is, the invasion of non-native species. The new law, promoted by the Garda Community and outlined in the Lake Contract signed in 2019, is expected to come into effect in the early months of 2026 after passing through the regional councils of Lombardy, Trentino, and Veneto. The president of the Garda Community, Senator Mariastella Gelmini, announced that this will be the first regulation in Italy dedicated to the protection of native species and the limitation of invasive non-native species. The urgency for such an initiative is palpable: the lake is already afflicted by the presence of 43 non-native aquatic species. To prevent new invasions, boats coming from other bodies of water will need to be sanitized through a simple process using a high-temperature pressure washer. This quick and chemical-free intervention will ensure the safety of the lake ecosystem, contributing to the preservation of the region’s biodiversity. The costs for sanitization will range from 20 to 70 euros depending on the size of the vessels. Italian Version
Sanitization of hulls and ecosystem protection: law coming for Lake Garda
