Rescued from Extinction: The Remaining Fishermen of Lake Maggiore
In the picturesque region of Piedmont, Italy, a long-standing tradition is under threat. The Cooperativa pescatori acquacoltori del Golfo di Solio, a cooperative that deals with fishing, processing, selling, and catering fish, is facing a significant challenge in keeping the lake fisherman profession alive.
At the heart of this struggle is Giorgio Brovelli, a 68-year-old fisherman who started his career at the tender age of 14. With a passion for the trade that burns as bright as ever, Brovelli wishes to continue working and find someone to teach the trade to, ensuring the tradition continues. However, he finds it difficult.
Brovelli is concerned about the future of the lake fisherman profession and the potential loss of tradition. He is not alone in his concerns. The number of fishermen in the Lake Maggiore basin has decreased due to fish diseases, fishing bans, and other factors, leaving only 10-11 left.
The Cooperativa pescatori acquacoltori del Golfo di Solio pays a concession to the Borromeo family for fishing rights in the waters from Solcio to Sesto Calende. Fishermen in the cooperative have the option to become self-employed, delivering only a portion of their catch to the cooperative and keeping the rest for themselves.
However, finding new fishermen is proving to be a major challenge for Brovelli. He has attempted to hire four from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but has been unable to bring them in due to immigration management issues and respecting quotas. Finding Italians to take up the trade is virtually impossible, and major difficulties arise with foreigners.
Despite these challenges, Brovelli emphasises that fishing is a demanding job requiring passion. Tasks include setting nets, fishing, processing fish, and deliveries. Brovelli himself is an experienced fisherman, having fished for 20 years with the historic cooperative of Stresa and learning fishing techniques from Giuseppe (Pepi) Ruffoni.
The cooperative also deals with catering, managing the Osteria "La Vecchia Scuola" in Lesa and the restaurant "Da Gio'" on a barge in the Gulf of Solcio. With 26 summer employees and 21 year-round employees, the cooperative is a significant employer in the region.
The profession of lake fisherman, particularly in Piedmont, Lake Como, and Lake Garda, is at risk of disappearing due to climatic factors, dietary changes, competition from industrial fishing, and regulatory restrictions. However, cooperatives like the Cooperativa pescatori acquacoltori del Golfo di Solio play a critical role by organising fishers, promoting sustainable fishing practices, securing access rights, marketing fish products collectively, and engaging in environmental stewardship to ensure long-term viability.
To obtain precise, up-to-date details regarding specific challenges and cooperative interventions in Piedmont, direct sources from regional fishing associations, local news, or the cooperative’s official communications would be required.
- Giorgio Brovelli, hoping to preserve the traditional lake fisherman profession, is seeking apprentices to teach the trade, but finds it challenging, both with regards to attracting Italians and dealing with immigration management issues for foreign workers.
- Recognizing the demanding nature of the fishing lifestyle, Brovelli focuses on hiring individuals who are deeply passionate about the home-and-garden and lifestyle sectors, as fishing requires skills in setting nets, fishing, processing fish, and deliveries.
