Legislative Decree No. 130 making provisions for the protection or improvement of freshwater for the conservation of fishery resources.

The Decree implements EC Directive No. 78/659/CEE and aims at the protection and improvement of freshwater throughout the national territory and the conservation of fishery resources. It is divided into 14 articles and 1 annex. Within 60 days from the entry into force of the Decree, the Regions shall identify the surface waters to be protected or improved. These waters include streams, natural or artificial lakes, ponds, etc. pertaining to national parks and nature reserves as well as those of international relevance or scientific interest (arts. 4 and 5). The Decree requires also periodical surveys to be carried out by the regions in order to supplement and update the data collected, and the submission every two years to the Ministry of the Environment of a report on water characteristics, species of fish, management objectives. Article 8 establishes parameters for periodical sampling and testing of water quality. The Decree states the competence of the Government, the Ministry of the Environment, the Regions and the Provinces in matter of (a) compilation, updating and overseeing of the national list of freshwaters to be protected or improved; (b) collection of data and dissemination of information; (c) criteria and modalities for the classification of freshwaters; (d) implementation of protection measures (arts. 9-11). Articles 12-14 concern environmental damage, exceptional and urgent measures and penalties. The annex states the maximum tolerable quantity of the substances listed therein.