General

EAWAG and SAEFL (Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape) have jointly launched the project "Fischnetz" (Fishing Net) "Netzwerk Fischrückgang Schweiz" (Network Declining Fish Yields, Switzerland). This project examines the causes of the dramatic decline in fish catch in Switzerland's water systems over the past 10 years (see figure of fish catch and map of declining fish yields). Research institutions are jointly investigating with the public and private sector not only the causes and consequences for this decline, but are also developing measures for improvement.

Parallel to the growing concern of those involved in fisheries over the decline in catch, anomalies in the sexual development of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife are increasingly reported worldwide. Effects on humans have also been observed, such as for example a decline in sperm count in men. Evidence suggests that these effects are related to the chronic pollution of the environment with trace elements. This correlation has to be studied in order to establish a basis for developing specific and acceptable measures for improvement.

In particular the effects of the so-called "endocrine disruptors" (pollutants with hormone-like effects or synthetic hormones from medicine) have attracted international attention. This triggered various research projects, such as the EU Project COMPREHEND, in which Switzerland also takes part. It was primarily the decline in fish catch that induced the Swiss fisheries centres and Offices for water pollution control to conduct investigations in various waters.

To accelerate, coordinate and network the Swiss effort, EAWAG and SAEFL have decided to launch a joint project with the cantons and research institutes. In December 1998, an interim directorate in charge of the project officially initiated the project "Fischnetz".

The direction of the project "Fischnetz" (professionals from research, the public and private sector) is responsible for its professional management. This executive body is assisted by the managers of the sub-projects, and is itself subordinate to the Steering Committee (Directorates of EAWAG and SAEFL, local governments, Industrial Board for Fisheries, and the chemical industry). The cantons, universities, the private sector and other offices or institutions are requested to report any current or planned projects pertaining to the decline in fish yields to the direction of the project "Fischnetz".

"Fischnetz" was finished end of 2003. The follow-up project "Fischnetz+" is now transferring the scientific results gained in "Fischnetz" to the practitioners in the 26 swiss cantons and the principality of Liechtenstein.

For contact and information:

Dr. Marion Mertens
Head of project Fischnetz+
EAWAG / university of Basel
Vesalgasse 1
CH- 4051 Basel
SWITZERLAND

Phone: +41 61 267 04 11
Fax: +41 61 267 04 09
Email: marion.mertens@unibas.ch