Resume.

This study and publication were carried out under the project “Marine Biodiversity Conservation Center “Boka Aquarium” (MonteAqua)”, implemented by the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro (IMB) in cooperation with the Center for Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation of Inland Waters, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac. Study is developed as IMB’s project co-funding.

Conclusions and recommendations

• Eel is highly endangered fish species due to several factors (overfishing of glass eel, yellows and silvers; swimming bladder parasite which originate from Anguilla japonica, habitat loss, riverine connectivity loss) and still is not clear whether some of them are curtail or it is synergetic effect of all of theme or the detected dramatic decrease of eel abundance is related to some climate changes in Atlantic ocean (The North Atlantic Oscillation – NOA) which caused cyclic changes in main Gulf current which is essential for dispersal of eel larvae

• In close future, together with Albanian partners, we have to develop constant monitoring program for monitoring of glass eel immigration and sliver eel emigration from Lake Skadar and to estimate the eel biomass in this Lake in order to understand what is happening with eels in this system

• As soon as possible, together with Albanian partners and based on previously mentioned results of monitoring and findings, we have to produce the Eel Management Plan for Lake Skadar

• In order to regulate downstream migration of silver eels and to satisfied demands of “eel directive” we have to work on regulation and controlling of harvesting of fish trap on Bojana river in Albania during downstream eel migration

• In order to reduce fishing pressure on eel live stock in Lake Skadar we suggest to estimate development of eel farming and using of glass eels and elevers from Bojana delta as fish farm stocking material

• Eel has to be proposed as flagship species for the Lake Skadar Aquarium

• Taking in mind the importance of Lake Skadar as huge eel habitat, eel vulnerability, global threats, biological importance, marketing potential and eel unique and mysterious life cycle as well as unique body shape, we strongly suggest to proclaim eel, together with pelican, for a flagship species of whole Lake Skadar.

This study and publication were carried out under the project “Marine Biodiversity Conservation Center “Boka Aquarium” (MonteAqua)”, implemented by the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro (IMB) in cooperation with the Center for Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation of Inland Waters, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac. Study is developed as IMB’s project co-funding.

Summary

Adriatic fish diversity remains incompletely documented, particularly in the southern basin below 500 m, with some historical records unreliable and new species recorded annually. The reviewed assessments identify numerous threatened species, including 15 Critically Endangered and 15 Endangered species, while European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is classified as regionally extinct in the Adriatic.

Fishing, by-catch, habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species and climate change are major pressures. Conservation measures include fishing restrictions, seasonal and spatial closures, and marine protected areas.

The text also highlights flagship species as tools for public awareness and conservation fundraising. John Dory (Zeus faber) was selected as Aquarium Boka’s flagship species through stakeholder consultation, reflecting its distinctive appearance, local importance and high commercial value.

The study reports 449 fish species and subspecies in the Adriatic, while noting unreliable historical records and substantial gaps in knowledge, particularly below 500 m in the southern basin. The reviewed assessments identify 15 Critically Endangered and 15 Endangered species, with European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) classified as regionally extinct in the Adriatic.

Overfishing and by-catch are major threats, compounded by habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Conservation priorities include further research, fishing restrictions and ecosystem protection through marine protected areas.

Stakeholder consultation selected John Dory (Zeus faber) as Aquarium Boka’s flagship species, recognising its distinctive appearance and local economic importance as assets for raising public awareness and supporting marine biodiversity conservation.

This study and publication were carried out under the project “Marine Biodiversity Conservation Center “Boka Aquarium” (MonteAqua)”, implemented by the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro (IMB) in cooperation with the Center for Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation of Inland Waters, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, and financially supported by The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade.

Conclusions and recommendation

Very extensive sources of pollution, types and characteristics of pollutants, the range of impacts to marine environment and humans, causes the whole range of measures and recommendations with the aim of reducing additional environmental pressures.

In addition to respecting of international conventions and implementation of best practices in the field of waste reduction, preventive measures in reducing the risk of oil spills, action at local level is of greatest importance. One of the proposed measures is the persistent training of young people and general population, referring to risks of marine pollution to human health and the environment; media support in promoting the preservation of the sea and the ocean as the basis for a healthy and sustainable future. Also, since in many countries there is no legal framework that recognizes specific types of pollution (such as marine litter pollution), the impact on decision-makers and authorities is crucial to seriously and safely addressing pollution issues.

Since marine pollution doesn’t recognize the territorial boundaries, in addition to the importance of reduction of local factors of marine pollution, international cooperation and contribution to the international framework and data sharing have been recognized as an indispensable measure in resolving marine pollution issues.

Abstracts Book. 22-25 September 2013, Granada, Spain.

AIESEC Beograd, 03 – 06.April 2000, Belgrade

Bristol, UK, 28.03.2000