Residents of Orbetello, a coastal enclave nestled in Tuscany, are requesting a declaration of a state of emergency as they grapple with a pervasive midge infestation that is severely affecting their daily lives and impacting local businesses reliant on tourism. The picturesque town, located on the edge of the Orbetello lagoon—a protected natural reserve between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Monte Argentario—has become inundated with millions of these pesky insects.
Local fishermen trace the origins of this surge back to around three weeks ago, attributing it to an unusual mass die-off of young fish, known as fry, which typically act as the primary predators for midge larvae. This phenomenon, according to the fishermen, stems from a general decline in the lagoon’s oxygen levels, a problem that has led to similar infestations in the past.
In response to this crisis, Orbetello’s city hall, following consultations with prominent trade associations, has earmarked 300,000 euros (equivalent to about $327,000) for specific interventions aimed at tackling the infestation. Mayor Andrea Casamenti announced the formation of a permanent commission to spearhead these emergency measures which are poised to safeguard both the populace and the local economic endeavors, although specific plans have yet to be disclosed.
Meanwhile, the townspeople are urging for further action, particularly calling for the Tuscan region to designate the situation as an emergency to secure additional funding. Reflective of the urgency felt by the community, a petition on change.org titled “Save the Orbetello Lagoon” had already garnered over 19,000 signatures by late Thursday. The petition laments the inability to enjoy outdoor activities or even open windows, likening the current conditions to the restrictive early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It places the blame squarely on poor management of the lagoon.
Pier Luigi Piro, who leads the Orbetello fishermen cooperative, expressed that the lagoon’s ecosystem requires considerable infrastructural work. Specifically, he emphasized the necessity of clearing out the canals and facilitating better water flow between the lagoon and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Additionally, he voiced hope that the collaborative efforts of the mayor’s office and trade associations would swiftly materialize into action to stave off further economic damage.
“Our primary goal is to ensure a peaceful tourist season,” he cautioned, “otherwise, the continued presence of these midges poses a threat to the viability of many businesses in the area.”
