Surveillance of invasive species using an eDNA approach in Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore (Switzerland and Italy), CIPAIS 2022-2024

The dataset includes data on the occurrence and distribution of invasive species (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis and Corbicula sp.) in Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore over the 2022–2024 period.

Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore are two deep lakes located within the Ticino River basin, at the border between Switzerland and Italy. The two lakes are connected by the Tresa River, which serves as the outflow of Lake Lugano. Situated in a temperate climatic zone, they display distinct mixing regimes: Lake Maggiore is holo-oligomictic, the northern basin of Lake Lugano is meromictic, while the southern basin is holomictic. Mixing events occur once a year, between late winter and early spring. Lake Lugano exhibits mesotrophic conditions, whereas Lake Maggiore is oligotrophic.

LAKE LUGANO
North Basin
South Basin
Total

Catchment area [km2]
566
566
566

Perimeter [km]
42.4
54.5
96.9

Area [km2]
27.5
21.4
48.9

Volume [km3]
4.7
1.8
6.5

Average depth [m]
171
85
134

Max depth [m]
288
95
288

Theoretical average turnover rate [years]
11.9
2.3
8.2

LAKE MAGGIORE
Swiss basin
Italian basin
Total

Catchment area [km2]
3370
3229
6599

Perimeter [km]
44
141.1
185.1

Area [km2]
42.6
169.4
212

Volume [km3]
7.5
30
37.5

Average depth [m]
-
-
176

Max depth [m]
-
-
370

Theoretical average turnover rate [years]
1.6
2.4
4