“Ghost” nets are once again threatening Lake Garda, putting navigation, divers, and the ecosystem at risk. These nets, abandoned by illegal fishermen, trap marine life and can cause serious problems for diving enthusiasts.
The latest net was found off the coast of Gardone Riviera, near Palazzo Wimmer beach. It is approximately 20 meters long and 2 meters wide, located at a depth of about 20 meters, posing a danger to divers.
The Coast Guard has issued a warning, urging utmost caution in the affected area. Ghost nets are typically placed irregularly without any visible surface markings, but are easily identifiable by illegal fishermen.
During storms, these nets can end up being dragged onto the seabed or close to the shores, becoming deadly traps for fish that get entangled. But it’s not just the fish at risk – divers also run the risk of encountering these nets, especially when the water is not very clear.
To combat this problem, the Garda Community has included the removal of ghost nets in its “Life-Carpione” operation, launched last October to restore spawning areas. This project involves the use of underwater robots in the affected areas to reach and remove the nets.
Abandoned nets pose a real threat to the ecosystem of Lake Garda. They are made of materials foreign to the lake, such as plastic and nylon, which significantly pollute the marine environment and have a negative impact on human health.
Italian Version
