Bodensee's Fishermen Face Decline as Numbers Dwindle

In recent years, the number of professional fishermen operating on Lake Constance has significantly decreased, dropping from 112 in 2013 to approximately 50 by the end of 2024. This alarming trend is attributed to a drastic reduction in fish catch, which directly impacts the livelihoods of these fishermen.

As reported by local fishing associations, the annual fish yield plummeted from 460 tons in 2013 to just 133 tons in 2023. The situation has reached a point where many fishermen are unable to sustain themselves solely through fishing, leading to a continued decline in the profession.

With an average age of over 50, many of the remaining fishermen are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Each year, several fishermen cease their operations entirely. The current regulations, including a three-year ban on catching certain fish such as the Felchen, have further exacerbated the issue.

According to local fishing experts, the average catch per fisherman now stands at less than one ton annually, whereas a sustainable catch would require five times that amount. As a result, remaining fishermen have begun sourcing fish from outside the lake to maintain their businesses, many of which now include direct sales at local markets or through farm shops.

The decline in fish populations in Lake Constance can be attributed to several factors. Predation by cormorants has led to substantial losses in fish stocks, while the low phosphate levels in the lake have reduced the availability of plankton, a critical food source for fish. Additionally, the invasive Quagga mussel, originally from the Black Sea region, has been further depleting the lake's nutrient levels.

Fishermen have called for an increase in the phosphate levels to enhance the lake's ecological health, but progress has been slow. Environmental authorities maintain that maintaining lower phosphate levels is vital for preserving the ecological balance of the lake. In contrast, agricultural officials emphasize the importance of the long-standing fishing tradition in Lake Constance, which plays a significant role in local tourism and food supply.

Despite some financial support for professional fishermen, the overall trend of declining numbers in the fishing profession seems unlikely to reverse without significant changes in policy and environmental conditions. The future of fishing on Lake Constance hangs in the balance as stakeholders navigate these complex challenges.