By Alex
Venice’s waterways have become so clear that schools of small fish can be seen swimming freely. On Burano Island, just a few kilometers away, swans have been spotted playing in the canals, and even dolphins have been photographed surfacing in the Venetian Lagoon. These scenes of wildlife coexisting harmoniously with the city are said by some Italians to be unseen for years—ironically, they are the result of the coronavirus outbreak.
▲ (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
▲ (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
After a week of lockdown... The canals in Venice are all clear and full of fishes. Kinda gives you the idea what will happen to Earth without Humans! pic.twitter.com/FVc7N8vmty
— TheSpaceAcademy.org?? (@ThespaceAcad) March 17, 2020
Yes just like the original post clearly states. But dolphins are still in Venice, as the governor posted this video today. pic.twitter.com/NIP1eShYjR
— Gianluca De Santis (@b8taFPS) March 18, 2020
▲ A dolphin was spotted surfacing in the Venetian Lagoon.
Italy, severely affected by COVID-19, has implemented nationwide lockdown measures, with residents forbidden from leaving their homes—a difficult situation for Italians, who are naturally sociable and value an enjoyable lifestyle. However, with tourists absent, locals confined, and tourism at a standstill, Venice’s lack of gondola traffic has reduced sediment stirring, resulting in unusually clear canal water and less litter, allowing fish to thrive.
▲ Before the outbreak, Venice’s canals were grayish-green, murky, and filled with trash (left). After the lockdown, the water has become much clearer (right). (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
▲ On Burano Island, a few kilometers from Venice, swans enjoy a peaceful swim in the canals. (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
▲ (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
Without the traffic of ships and ferries, dolphins have reappeared.
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) March 18, 2020
Sardinia, Italy ????? pic.twitter.com/9HrpyDJnAU
▲ Two dolphins play with children in the port of Cagliari, Sardinia.
In fact, during the pandemic, human-caused pollution and disruption to nature have significantly decreased—not only improving air quality but also allowing wildlife to reclaim their habitats. Media outlets have described the phenomenon as a “hard reset” of nature. Meanwhile, some internet users have ironically commented, “I hope this pandemic continues.” Undoubtedly, tourism brings substantial economic benefits, but it comes at a cost. As one netizen put it, “Hopefully we’ll learn from our mistakes, and when all this is over, we’ll be better—not the ‘biggest virus on Earth.’”
▲ Ducks swim in a fountain in Rome. (Photo by Cosodelirante @Twitter)
▲ Wild boars have also ventured into urban areas in search of food. (Photo by Cosodelirante @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Marco Capovilla @FB)
▲ Tourism has come to a halt during the pandemic. (Photo by b8taFPS @FB)
▲ Venice, the city of water, regains its ancient charm. (Photo by b8taFPS @FB)
Source: W Magazine