Wels attacks on Lake Brombach: Climate change accelerates threat!

Wels attacks on Lake Brombach: Climate change accelerates threat!

Brombachsee, Deutschland - Lately the situation at Lake Brombach has come to a point: A catfish has carried out an attack on a person after he felt threatened and wanted to defend his spawning area. Erich Keinath, the chairman of the Swabian fishing association for the district of Donau-Ries, emphasizes that such incidents are more of the exception. The catfish is widespread in the waters of the Donau-Ries district and can be seen in almost all domestic waters, from the Danube to Wörnitz to Baggersen and swimming lakes. According to Donau-Ries Aktuell, however, an exact estimate of the Welspopulation is difficult.

The propagation of the catfish is increasingly attributed to climate change that increases the water temperatures. As a result, the spawning period of the catfish has now often been extended to four months instead of the usual two months. Fischer in the district have difficulties because catfish eat a considerable amount of fish that are applied by local clubs to refresh the stocks.

breathtaking distribution and challenges

The factual situation around European Wels (Silurus Glanis), which is considered the largest freshwater fish in Europe, is spectacular. This fish has experienced considerable spread in Central Europe in recent years, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This is closely related to the climatic changes. As reports Fischapp, the catfish prefers warmer water, and the physiological temperature optimum is between 25 and 27 ° C. The populations grow rapidly with the increasing temperatures, and it is assumed that a catfish in Bavaria has now been spotted by record -breaking 2.81 meters.

The growth of the catfish is favored by the heated water that offer it optimal conditions. However, this also means that fish such as roach and young fish of predatory fish have to suffer strongly from the hunter Wels. In addition, due to its size, the catfish could catch larger prey such as water birds or small mammals, which significantly influences the local flora and fauna. A prudent use of this species is therefore required to obtain the ecological balance in the waters.

management strategies and outlook

The current challenges require precise scientific observation and perhaps also innovative management strategies for regulating the WELS population. This could include targeted fishing measures and special regulations. These strategies are important to secure biodiversity in the waters of Central Europe in the long term. Fischer and anglers still appreciate the catfish as a valuable target and dining fish, but it is essential to keep an eye on the effects of its ongoing propagation on other fish species and the entire ecosystem. The reports of Spiegel Online clarify the need for measures to not only Check, but also to ensure the safety of the bathers and fishermen.