'The possibility of autonomously authorising the release of fish of non-native species by the Province is exclusively subject to the drafting of a risk study to be submitted to Ispra for its opinion. The relevant contents of this document that is in the process of being drawn up were last illustrated to the representatives of the category for the necessary and agreed sharing of the contents, with the aim of submitting it to the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra). Given the current regulatory framework presented on several occasions by the representatives of the Ministry for Ecological Transition, this appears to be the only viable way to allow fishermen to proceed with releases as soon as possible, given that the 'Milleproroghe' decree has not introduced any derogation'. This was clarified by the Provincial Councillor for Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting and Fisheries Giulia Zanotelli who, also in the light of the position of the Fishermen's Associations reported in the press, discussed the issue in the Council meeting.
President Maurizio Fugatti also addressed the issue at a press conference, pointing out that the provincial administration is in the front line in defending the important role of fishermen, through the drafting of a risk study, in order to overcome the critical issues that have emerged, on which Ispra will be called to express an opinion. The executive also highlighted the complexity and delicacy of the issue, also due to legal profiles that must be taken into consideration. Considering the above, making comparisons with other territories seems inappropriate, also because each territory is characterised by its own hydrography and orography as well as different species.
Publication date: 08/04/2022
