Overview

• The gnat invasion, linked to oxygen depletion in the Orbetello lagoon, has persisted for over three weeks, confining residents indoors and disrupting daily life.
• The infestation stems from declining fish populations, particularly young fish that prey on gnat larvae, exacerbated by restricted water flow between the lagoon and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Over 20,000 residents have signed a petition urging authorities to declare a state of emergency and implement broader ecological solutions.
• The Orbetello municipality has allocated 300,000 euros and formed a permanent commission to address the crisis, though concerns remain about the sufficiency of these measures.
• Local businesses and fishermen warn that the infestation could jeopardize the upcoming tourist season, a critical economic period for the town.