Man in Lake Constance consumes fish that match his size.
The Bodensee, Germany's largest lake and a popular tourist destination, is a significant body of water located in southern Germany. Known for its calm waters and diverse ecosystem, the lake hosts a variety of unique fish species, one of which is the whitefish (Coregonus wartmanni), often referred to as the "herring of Lake Constance" due to its popularity for human consumption across the bordering countries.
The whitefish is a notable species due to its recent population collapse and subsequent ecological challenges. Commercial overfishing and an increase in stickleback populations, which compete or prey on juvenile whitefish, have contributed to the decline. However, since 2024, an unexplained decrease in sticklebacks has given hope for the whitefish population to recover, supported by a multi-year fishery closure agreed upon by the riparian states.
The fishery on Lake Constance is managed with a sustainability focus in mind, aiming to preserve the unique ecosystem and local species like whitefish. The presence of the "Tafelgesellschaft zum Goldenen Fisch" award for restaurants highlights the cultural and culinary importance of locally sourced fish from the lake, including these unique species.
The Bodensee, with its unfathomable depths, has been the subject of a documentary by ARD, a German broadcasting organization. The documentary, titled "Diving into the Deep Blue - Germany's Lakes in Southern Germany," showcases the diversity of the lake and its unique fish species, including some that consume creatures as large as themselves.
Interest in the Bodensee and its unique whitefish has been high, leading to the reposting of this article, which was initially published on Schwäbische.de in May. The lake's significance extends beyond its ecological importance, as it stands out as a great place for relaxation and a popular tourist destination.
[1] Schwäbische.de, "Die Weißfisch im Bodensee: Die seltene und ökologisch bedeutende Art," May 2022. [2] ARD, "Tauchen in die Tiefe - Die Seen in Süddeutschland," Documentary, 2022. [3] Fisheries Management Agency, "Recovery Plan for Whitefish in the Bodensee," 2024.
The recovery plan for the whitefish in the Bodensee, initiated in 2024, highlights the commitment of the riparian states towards preserving the unique ecosystem and local species within the lake. The cultural and culinary importance of this native fish, often named the "herring of Lake Constance," is evidenced by the "Tafelgesellschaft zum Goldenen Fisch" award for restaurants that showcase locally sourced fish, including the whitefish.
