The lakes of Carinthia are not only a retreat and recreational area, but also an important success factor for tourism and livelihood for many. Large developments such as climate change are reflected in this. With the LAKE report, the country gives itself an overview of the ecological condition of the waters.
Not only for tens of thousands of Carintic students there are figures at the beginning of July, the Carinthian lakes also received a certificate – with a fairly strict rules. “The worst category is always used for the assessment,” explains Zeestzoeker Georg Santner. Despite three “very good” in the 39th Carinthian Lake Report, the Weißensee only put a disappointing “unsatisfactory”.
“False Fish” and a successful Moor project
Because the fishing paradise is doing worse than all other larger karintic lakes in the state of the “fish fauna”. “Fishing itself is the cause of the problem. The wrong fish swim in the Weißensee,” said Santner. The wrong fish? “Pike and carp are originally not native to the Weißensee. Your inventory must be reduced.” Unfortunately, that is not that simple. “If you fill with nautical males, they will be eaten again in a low time,” explains Sara Sara Sara from this special dilemma.
The other larger carintic lakes are rated with “good” (Faaker Zie, Keutschacher See, Klopeiner Zie, Millstätter see) or with “Moderate” (Wörthersee, Persegger See, Längsee). The Ossiacher sees standing on the tilt between “moderate” and “unsatisfactory” – again a single category is “debt”.
Because the macrophytes, ie plants such as reeds or water lilies, leave something to be desired. But the situation has improved in recent years. “Here the floods and the renature of the Bleistätter Moor have an effect,” emphasizes Schaar and Santner. “This measurable improvement has led to the condition being assessed as moderately.” When enriched with nutrients, the Ossiacher sees cut off well – including the other eight large lakes.
Climate and agriculture add small lakes
Nutritional wealth is desirable in the ground, less in the water. And especially smaller lakes suffer. “Often there are farms in the area. In the case of heavy rainfall, the nutrients are then flushed in the lakes,” said Schaar. Above all, phosphorus ensures that the exploding algae growth. “This is reinforced by the higher temperatures. Often there are oxygen -free deep zones,” explains Santner. Climate change over the extreme weather has a direct influence. “In general, the condition of our lakes is good. Nevertheless, we must be careful,” warns scissors.
When the suggestions for measures to “improve the ecological state” of Lake Wörthersee were public in the summer of 2024, the waves went up. In tourism, especially in intended limitations on motorboat traffic or events.
In the LAKE report, the assessment of the bank state and plants led to the rating “moderate”, although otherwise the state of the lake will be assessed as “good”.
There are 25 concrete measures in the suggestions. So implement and then suddenly improve the condition of Lake Wörthersee? “Unfortunately, lakes are very slow ecosystems,” explains Kärnten’s top sea researcher Georg Santner. “Even if we implement all 25 proposed measures this year, we would see the first results at the earliest six to seven years.”
A measure has already been tested: the first successes were achieved with Reed Protection Fences. To ensure that the situation really improves, individual steps are not sufficient. “We talk to water schools and motorboat owners, but we don’t just want to disable a group,” emphasizes Sara Sara Schaar of the state. “What actually happens is also a political decision that is discussed in the coalition.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
