Problems for the ecosystem
Implement a management plan and containment of cormorants, particularly in the Comacchio valleys and the Goro basin area. This is requested in a resolution from the Italian Liberal Party (amended by the Democratic Party) approved by the Economic Policies Committee, chaired by Luca Giovanni Quintavalla. "The cormorant has been present in Italy for centuries, however, in recent years its population has grown significantly, particularly in favorable habitats such as the coastal areas of Emilia-Romagna, due to several factors, including species protection and increased food availability. In the province of Ferrara, particularly in the Comacchio valleys and the Goro lagoon area, a significant increase in the cormorant population has been recorded, with consequent problems for the ecosystem and for economic activities related to fishing and aquaculture. The area is home to several fish farms and lakes used for recreational fishing, whose source of income is threatened by the massive presence of cormorants. The uncontrolled expansion of the cormorant could have a negative impact on local biodiversity, with the risk of reducing the populations of other fish species, including some protected species," explains Fausto Giannella (FdI), first signatory of the resolution also signed by his group colleagues Priamo Bocchi, Giancarlo Tagliaferri, Nicola Marcello and Alberto Ferrero.
The situation in the Ferrara area
The councilors emphasize that containment of the species could represent an effective solution and urge the Council "to promptly conduct a census of the cormorant population in Emilia-Romagna, particularly in the province of Ferrara, and to implement a cormorant management and containment plan, in accordance with current regulations, to protect economic activities related to fishing and aquaculture and to safeguard the area's biodiversity."
The need for more drastic measures
Councilor Daniele Valbonesi (Democratic Party) spoke, presenting the Democratic Party's three amendments to the resolution. These amendments recall the tools already implemented by the Emilia-Romagna Region and commit to continuing "monitoring activities and discussions with ISPRA." Bocchi (FdI) then spoke, citing data, highlighting the worrying increase in cormorants since the 2023s. "It's a problem the Region is aware of, but more drastic measures are needed." Marta Evangelisti (FdI) stated that "the resolution follows the direction already outlined by the department in XNUMX, when, in response to a previous inspection by the Brothers of Italy party, it acknowledged the problem and committed to intensifying monitoring plans to limit predatory pressure in fishing areas, including those of naturalistic interest" (source: Emilia-Romagna Region).
You May Also Like ..
