Dispute over the goosander: Fabio Regazzi calls for culls

The debate over the protected status of the goosander is gaining momentum.

By 10 votes to 3, the Committee on the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy of the Council of States (Urek-S) has backed aparliamentary initiative by hobbyhunter and former hunting association presidentFabio Regazzi (Centre/TI).

We must not allow fish-eating birds, which are today unjustifiably under absolute protection, to hunt and catch fish undisturbed. – Fabio Regazzi

This could mean that in future the goosander – similarly to thecormorant – could in certain situations be culled throughhunting. While fishing associations welcome the relaxation, conservationists are raising the alarm.

Swiss Ornithological Institute urges restraint

The Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach takes a very different view. Although the goosander population has grown over the past 20 years, the concrete impact on fish populations is barely scientifically substantiated. Factors such as engineered waterways, rising water temperatures and competition from invasive species have a far greater effect.

A spokesperson for the Swiss Ornithological Institute emphasises: “Switzerland bears a special responsibility for this genetically distinct Alpine population. Interventions may only take place in strictly limited situations – and only when clear harm has actually been demonstrated.”

Schweizer Bäche und Flüsse in alarmierendem Zustand

Conservation organisations warn of precedent

Pro Natura, WWF and BirdLife also oppose the planned legislative change. They regard the possible downgrading of protected status as a weakening of international species protection. There is a risk, they argue, that the federal government would transfer its conservation responsibilities to the cantons, thereby undermining the constitutional mandate to protect biodiversity.

"This is a shooting law through the back door," says Pro Natura. Instead of targeting the common merganser, comprehensive measures are needed to revitalize waterways and adapt to climate change.

Political decision still pending

With the decision of the Council of States committee, the path for a change in legislation is not yet clear. First, the sister committee in the National Council must take a position. Only when both chambers approve the motion could the protected status actually be relaxed.

Until then, the dispute is likely to continue — between fishermen fighting for their stocks and conservationists who see the common merganser primarily as a symbol of the value of biodiversity.

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