Predator hotspot? Anglers discuss cormorant and otter - Thuringia’s fish crisis deepens as predators and climate change threaten fragile ecosystems
Thuringia's water bodies face a challenge with declining fish stocks, threatening water quality and healthy ecosystems. Cormorants, due to their excessive numbers, are singled out as a primary concern. Despite progress in waterway renaturation, many water bodies still fail to meet EU standards.
Thuringia has doubled its near-natural water bodies, from 18% to 36%, since 2009. However, many of these water bodies still struggle to meet EU Water Framework Directive's ecological standards due to dwindling fish stocks. Conservation groups advocate for restoring waterways to their natural state to protect fish.
Native fish stocks are increasingly threatened by predators like cormorants, goosanders, grey herons, mink, and Eurasian otters. The Landesanglerverband Thüringen works to restore waterways and protect fish stocks through various measures. The Thüringer Umweltministerium and the Thüringer Landesamt für Umwelt, Bergbau und Naturschutz lead the Landesprogramm Gewässerschutz, aiming to make 970 kilometers of waterways more natural by 2027. The Sparkasse supports these efforts by funding renaturations in the Main region.
Thuringia's water bodies face a complex issue with declining fish stocks, exacerbated by climate change and predators. While cormorants are a controversial focus, addressing their numbers and restoring waterways are key to improving water quality and protecting ecosystems. Various organizations are working together to achieve these goals.
