Tegnue of Chioggia

The tegnue are, in Veneto dialect, those particular rocky substrata, typical in certain zones of watery depths, at the north of the Adriatic, well-known by local professional fishermen because they “hold back” and cut the drag nets which have the misfortune to land on them.

These formations normally reach some hundreds of metres squared of surface area, with forms and structures that are somewhat distinct and despite being isolated, they are not at all rare.

Even if they represent a minimal fraction of the surface of the sea bed, the tegnue constitute an important “oasis” for typical ichthyic species of “hard” substrata, and increase the biological diversity,

offering a greater number of ecological niches and constitute an excellent shelter for the reproductive phases of numerous marine organisms.

Their name is derived from the word in dialect which means “held”, which in local sailors’ jargon, has come to mean those underwater elements which present themselves as obstacles to fishing lines.

We are speaking of underwater depths with rocky formations, with an average depth between 19 and 22 metres. They are simply generic immersions, but at the same time they are fantastic for all to observe. In fact, the tegnue represent the ideal habitat for the Conger, European Lobster, Corvine and a multitude of local fauna which in these areas are not disturbed by fishing lines. A unique tegnua does not exist, rather tens and tens, all strongly characterised by type of seabed, depth, level and cracks which give refuge to passing fish, European Lobsters and coloured Spanish Dancer.

Video of "tegnue" - Lagoon of Chioggia