City of Darmstadt to drain pond from 14 October – sticklebacks threaten biodiversity
Starting Tuesday, October 14, 2025 the Science City of Darmstadt extensive maintenance work on the Goetheteich pond on Herrgottsberg in Bessungen . The goal of the measure is to preserve and protect the native amphibian population . The reason for the intervention is a sharp increase in the stickleback population , which was detected by the fisheries inspector. The work is expected to take approximately one week .
The high population of this fish species threatens the development and survival of amphibian species in the coming year. To protect the sensitive ecosystems in the Goetheteich area, the water will be drained . This will involve removing fish species that are not typical for the area .
Transfer to other waters
Where possible, the fish removed will be relocated to suitable bodies of water within the city limits . The goal is to restore the ecological balance in the Goetheteich and protect the natural habitats of the amphibians.
In this context, the city expressly points out that the release of fish from private aquariums or garden ponds into public waters prohibited . Such interventions can cause significant disturbance and ecological damage , permanently impairing the natural balance.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK
