Recently, Legambiente Garda raised questions about the authenticity of the whitefish sold in supermarkets, particularly in one located in the province of Varese. The organization challenged the presence of “fresh Garda whitefish” in a context where the species seems to have vanished from local waters due to a ban on the introduction of new eggs imposed by the Ministry of Ecological Transition for over three years. This situation contrasts with the fact that whitefish historically represented a significant portion of the catch in the lake and served as a symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.
In response to the concerns expressed by fishermen and local associations, Lombardy Councilor Alessandro Beduschi stated that the Lombardy Region is working to resolve the ban regarding the introduction of whitefish into the lake. A collaboration has been initiated with Veneto and Trentino to conduct a scientific study aimed at demonstrating the recognition of the species as semi-native. This step is considered crucial to support the fishing of whitefish, which is vital for the survival of the sector in the basin.
