New scientific research in Switzerland sheds a disturbing light on water quality in rivers, lakes and streams, especially in agricultural areas. Previous announcements from the federal government about a possible decrease in pesticide use are not borne out by the findings of this study.
The study shows that many streams are almost 'dead', highlights a new book on biodiversity published by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). The book emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
In the majority of the Swiss streams examined, researchers from the ETH Water Research Institute (Eawag) found hardly any small living creatures and microbes. The scientists examined a total of 99 rivers. Many have “significant deficits in their ecological status” and can only fulfill their function as animal habitats to a limited extent,
The Swiss states recently concluded in their own memorandum that the “Plant Protection Products Action Plan” in the agricultural industry is on track. “The measures taken by agriculture have reduced risks to the environment,” the Federal Council wrote. But according to the scientists, it is clear that many small streams and the animals in them are still not doing well.
“We know we have big problems, especially when there is intensive cultivation,” said Roberto Zanetti, president of the Swiss Fisheries Association. The finding that insect larvae hardly occur in many small streams is worrying. “These little creatures are important food for the fish.” Zanetti points out that many populations in Switzerland are in steep decline and are highly endangered.
Swiss farmers are not happy with the researchers' new findings. SVP MP Alois Huber is vice-president of the Swiss Farmers' Association (SBV) and a farmer himself. “We are certainly not innocent,” says Huber. But it is too easy to blame the farmers. In fact, he says, agriculture has made great progress in recent years. Today, about half of Switzerland's grain is grown without the use of herbicides, he says.