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New illustration of the impact of repeated droughts on biodiversity: in Loire-Atlantique, the Departmental Fishing Federation has just banned wild trout fishing for the entire 2023 season in the Cens and Gesvres, two sub-tributaries Of the loire.
This is the first time that a measure of this type has been taken in this territory.
This is a precaution to preserve a species threatened by the lack of water.
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“Two years ago, there was no problem, but during the summers of 2021 and 2022 there were violent droughts.
We trod the pebbles and grasses of these two streams.
We have seen significant mortalities
, ”says Laurent Thibault, in charge of river works at the Loire-Atlantique Fishing Federation.
His organization estimates that more than 65% of the two rivers, each about 30km long, were completely dry at the end of summer 2022. If “rescue”
fishing took place last August, it is difficult
to know the state of the resource.
A scheduled inventory
“Above 25°C, the water temperature becomes lethal for this species.
We were unable to carry out thermal measurements last summer so we don't even know if there are still wild trout in these waterways”
, laments Laurent Thibault.
In order to find out more and
“find possible survivors”
, an inventory will be carried out from next May thanks to low voltage electric fishing.
In the meantime, any collection, usually possible in “no-kill”, is therefore prohibited.
A decree from the prefecture is expected in the coming days to formalize the situation.
“Checks will be carried out”
assures the specialist.
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Saying he is
"concerned"
for the coming year, Laurent Thibault explains that wild trout is not the only fish threatened in Loire-Atlantique.
The pike, hope landmark in the department, is also in the process of
"scarcity"
because of the lack of water.
In this specific case, the drought is not the only culprit.
"There is no need to go to the other side of the world to realize that biodiversity is disappearing
," he breathes.
recreational fishing
Despite the ban on fishing for wild fario trout in 2023, the 30,000 fishermen identified in Loire-Atlantique will still be able to hook trout from March 11.
On the other hand, they will come from fish farms.
"To alleviate the situation, we have set up leisure trails on second-category sites which are sufficiently supplied with water and usually little or not frequented", indicates
Laurent Thibault who evokes a
"promotional fishing"
in particular intended for youth.
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In total, 35 sites (ponds, rivers, streams) are accessible to fishermen in the department.
To help them find their way around, the Loire-Atlantique fishing federation has listed them on an interactive map accessible online.
