Gnat Infestation Paralyzes Orbetello, Threatening Daily Life and Tourism

Residents of the Tuscan town are calling for a state of emergency as ecological imbalances in the lagoon fuel an ongoing crisis.

The gnat invasion, linked to oxygen depletion in the Orbetello lagoon, has persisted for over three weeks, confining residents indoors and disrupting daily life.
The infestation stems from declining fish populations, particularly young fish that prey on gnat larvae, exacerbated by restricted water flow between the lagoon and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Over 20,000 residents have signed a petition urging authorities to declare a state of emergency and implement broader ecological solutions.
The Orbetello municipality has allocated 300,000 euros and formed a permanent commission to address the crisis, though concerns remain about the sufficiency of these measures.
Local businesses and fishermen warn that the infestation could jeopardize the upcoming tourist season, a critical economic period for the town.