Cotter back in Baden-Württemberg: joy or concern for anglers?

Cotter back in Baden-Württemberg: joy or concern for anglers?

Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland - The return of the otter in Baden-Württemberg causes excitement! After almost 100 years of absence, these charming predators have now been spotted again in the waters of the federal state. The cute animals, which consume up to 15 percent of their body weight on fish, crabs and frogs every day, have conquered people's hearts - but their return also brings worries.

The Ministry of Environment of Baden-Württemberg has officially confirmed the return after evidence of the presence of the otter has been provided again and again since 2017. Especially in the northeast, on the rivers Tauber and Jagst, as well as in the southwest of Dreisam, Elz and Donau, the predators have gained a foothold. A copy was recently sparked in the Black Forest Baar district, which rekindled the discussion about dealing with these animals.

FDP calls for measures against overpopulation

The FDP sees the return of the otter as a success for species protection, but expresses concerns about a possible overpopulation. In order to avoid conflicts between fish breeders and the oters, the party calls for the establishment of a advice center. In extreme cases, the animals could even be taken into account, according to Klaus Hoher, the FDP's nature conservation policy spokesman in the state parliament.

The state association of professional fishermen and pond hosts also warns of possible conflicts. Although no damage has yet been determined, the association fears that this is only a matter of time. They also speak out for an individual case. The threat to fish farming should increase. The Ministry of the Environment, on the other hand, does not plan any measures against the otter for the time being because there is no sufficient evidence of damage. Instead, a fencing of fish breeding could be considered as a solution.