Brombachsee Seeing Another Attack on Wels, Authorities Respond - Whale assault in Brombach waters prompts intervention by authorities.
In the picturesque Brombachsee in Middle Franconia, two incidents of Wels catfish attacking and injuring swimmers have been reported, the latest on Wednesday, causing concern among locals and visitors alike. The aggressive behavior of these large aquatic creatures, known for their shy nature, is primarily linked to territorial defense during breeding.
Experts suggest that the recent attacks, including one by a catfish over two meters long and around 90 kilograms, are a result of the fish defending its clutch of eggs, an unusual aggressive response for Wels catfish. This defensive aggression can be compounded by increased human activity, such as during public events like music festivals, which may agitate the fish further.
Normally, Wels catfish spend daylight hours in deep water and avoid human interaction. However, the breeding season and specific environmental stressors seem to be key triggers for this aggressive behavior. It's important to note that Wels catfish can display aggression for predatory purposes, establishing dominance, or defending territory and resources.
The district office, the Brombachsee Association, and the Water Management Office in Ansbach have emphasized the importance of being cautious, alert, and respectful of nature when swimming in the lake. As a precautionary measure, the lake centers and bathing islands are being examined using an echo sounder to check for fish spawning grounds. If spawning grounds are found near bathing islands, they may be temporarily closed.
The first such incident occurred on June 20, where several bathers were bitten, resulting in five injuries. In this incident, the police decided to shoot and kill the Wels catfish due to the risk of a swimmer panicking and drowning from bites.
The state fishing association states that there are many Wels catfish in the Free State, living mainly in lakes or slow-flowing waters and preferring warm water. The low water level in the Brombachsee is causing Wels catfish to lay eggs in unusual places, such as below bathing platforms.
In an unfortunate turn of events, an innkeeper offered the two-meter-long catfish on his menu, divided into 120 fillet portions, and it has since been completely eaten.
The fishing association will handle the echo sounder survey, and a meeting between the Water Management Office and the fishing association has been announced to discuss the Wels catfish incidents further. The association explains these incidents as a result of the end of the spawning season and the lack of suitable places for the fish to lay eggs in the shore area.
While the risk of such incidents happening again during the next spawning season remains, it's crucial for swimmers to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when enjoying the lake. The authorities encourage everyone to respect the natural habitat and the creatures that call it home.
Community aid is being sought to help fund research for finding suitable spawning grounds for Wels catfish in the Brombachsee, with the aim of reducing future incidents. In the meantime, general news advisories warn against swimming in areas where catfish might be guarding their clutches during car-accidents, accidents, and sports events.
