Residents of Orbetello, a beach community in Tuscany, are urgently requesting a state of emergency declaration to address a concerning influx of midges that have invaded the area. The tiny bugs have swarmed Orbetello, a small peninsula jutting into the Orbetello lagoon, a natural reserve off Tuscany’s coast. Fishermen attribute the sudden surge in midges to a significant die-off of juvenile fish in 2024, which are natural predators of midge larvae. This issue has led to oxygen depletion in the lagoon ecosystem, causing the current invasion.
Orbetello city hall has allocated 300,000 euros ($327,000) to implement emergency interventions after meeting with trade associations. Mayor Andrea Casamenti announced the formation of a commission to protect residents and businesses in the area. However, local residents are advocating for the Tuscan region to declare a state of emergency to secure additional funding. A change.org petition titled “Save the Orbetello Lagoon” has garnered over 19,000 signatures, with residents expressing frustration at being confined indoors due to the midge infestation.
Pier Luigi Piro, president of the Orbetello fishermen cooperative, emphasized the need for infrastructural improvements in the lagoon ecosystem to prevent future crises. He stressed the importance of cleaning canals and promoting water exchange between the lagoon and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Piro urged swift action from the collaborative efforts of the mayor’s office and trade groups to address the situation promptly to safeguard the upcoming tourist season. Failure to address the midge invasion could lead to severe economic repercussions for local businesses, potentially resulting in closures.
