Germany: Bodensee too clean for fish

A fisherman at the Bodensee. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The water of the German Bodensee in the South of Germany has become to clean for fish. This is the result of improved sewage systems and wastewater treatment. Because a lack of nutrients the fish population is diminishing and the fish are getting smaller. According to the regional association of professional fisherman the total amount of fish catched in 2015 was 47 tonnes compared to 70 tonnes in 2011.

The fishermen are worried about the situation and they claim to have the most strict environmental rules in Europe. The regional newspaper Onetz reported the Bodensee is suffering from a lack of phosphates and a surplus of algaes who are breaking down phosphates. Every year the amount of fish is reduced with 10 to 50 per cent. In the first quarter of 2016 the fishing was again 40% less.

Solutions
All regional politicians are willing to find a solution for the situation. The fishing of trout is crucial for turisme. One of the ideas is to diminish the loopholes of the nets from 38 to 36 millimetres. Aanother solution can be to bring clean nutrients to the surface of the lake.

Water Framework Directive
Germany is progressive in implementing the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The intention of clean rivers and lakes is improving the fish population. The situation in the Bodensee shows waters can be too clean for fish and food for fish should be considered carefully.