Native clams return to Sicilian lake after 30-year absence
Clams are seen at Ganzirri lake in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
LAKE GANZIRRI, Italy (Reuters) - Local clams and mussels are on the comeback in homes and restaurants in the Messina area of the southern Italian island of Sicily after a 30-year absence caused by high pollution levels in Lake Ganzirri.
More than 1,000 kilograms (2,400 pounds) are fished daily out of the lake, which the regional health department declared contamination-free a year ago after an extended clean-up, meaning its molluscs are safe to eat again.
Turi Rando, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative, selects clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
Using the same basic equipment common hundreds of years ago, including wooden rowing boats and rakes with nets attached, 30 people work to collect the molluscs.
"It's a really important achievement as it has created jobs for young people in the area," Salvatore Ruello, chairman of Great Lake Ganzirri Co-operative, who restarted the production, told Reuters. "Now this ancient activity will be recognized not only locally but further afield."
When cleaned and sorted, the clams and mussels go on sale in local markets with many ending up in the traditional dish of "spaghetti alle vongole" or spaghetti with clams.
A view of Ganzirri lake in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
(Editing by Patrick Johnston and)
A member of Ganzirri lake cooperative collects clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloA view of Ganzirri lake in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloTuri Rando, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative, selects clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloA member of Ganzirri lake cooperative collects clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloTuri Rando, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative, shows clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloNino Arena, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative, collects clams in Messina, Italy July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloNino Arena, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative, collects clams in Messina, Italy, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio ParrinelloTuri Rando, a member of Ganzirri lake cooperative poses with clams in Messina, Italy July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
