However, despite its scarcity, H. huso was caught in every season, mainly when
fishing with a mid-water/demersal trawl (Figs. 26.21, 26.22 and 26.23).
Moreover, the verbal information collected from local fishermen operating in the
fishing points located within the boundaries of the MPA confirmed the occurrence
of beluga, especially young specimens, frequently in the Zatoane – Sf. Gheorghe
perimeter, at depths ranging between 5–20 m.
The overall assessment of the conservation status for the species H. huso
(beluga) occurring in Danube Delta – marine zone, applying the methodology for
reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, indicates a UnfavourableInadequate U1þ conservation status, which also applies to the entire Romanian
marine zone (Table 26.4).
The main issue for beluga is the pressure caused by illegal fishing, both in the
Danube River and the Black Sea, in spite of the moratorium in force banning
commercial fishing (2006–2015, extended until 2020). However, as future prospects for the species, it is expected that continuing the restocking program and the
regulation of sturgeon fishing will result in a medium and long-term recovery of the
beluga population population in the north-western Black Sea.
Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Of the three species at the Romanian Black Sea coast, the Danube sturgeon
recorded the scarcest presence (during scientific fishing in 2012, for instance,
only one specimen was caught in summer). This reflects the loss of more than 1%
of the Danube sturgeon population per year during 2000–2006.
Similarly to the beluga, however, local fishermen have reported its presence in
several sectors of the MPA (Figs. 26.23 and 26.24).
After applying the methodology for reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats
Directive, the overall assessment for the species A. gueldenstaedtii (Danube
sturgeon) resulted as Unfavourable-Bad U2þ, which is also applicable for the
entire Romanian marine zone (Table 26.5). Similarly to the beluga, the pressure
caused by illegal fishing in the Black Sea and the Danube strongly affects the NW
Black Sea population, which is affected by the Alee Effect (adult Danube sturgeon
stocks dropped below the critical threshold, which in most areas hinders/makes
impossible the recruitment from natural breeding).
Fortunately, it is estimated that continuing the restocking program and the
regulation of sturgeon fishing rights will generate the circumstances for a recovery
of the population, but not immediately and only on the long-term.
Acipenser stellatus
The starry sturgeon was the most frequently encountered species in catches
achieved during the scientific fishing surveys, covering all sectors of the Danube
Delta – marine zone (ROSCI 0066). The highest number of A. stellatus were caught
in the Sachalin perimeter (60% of the catches), followed by Zatoane (around 25%),
Sulina and Perisor (around 4%) and Sf. Gheorghe, Periboina, Chituc and Vadu
(around 1% each) (Figs. 26.25 and 26.26).
Applying the methodology for reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, the overall assessment of the conservation status for the species A. stellatus
26 Conservation Status of the Fish Fauna in the Danube Delta Marine Zone
463
fishing with a mid-water/demersal trawl (Figs. 26.21, 26.22 and 26.23).
Moreover, the verbal information collected from local fishermen operating in the
fishing points located within the boundaries of the MPA confirmed the occurrence
of beluga, especially young specimens, frequently in the Zatoane – Sf. Gheorghe
perimeter, at depths ranging between 5–20 m.
The overall assessment of the conservation status for the species H. huso
(beluga) occurring in Danube Delta – marine zone, applying the methodology for
reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, indicates a UnfavourableInadequate U1þ conservation status, which also applies to the entire Romanian
marine zone (Table 26.4).
The main issue for beluga is the pressure caused by illegal fishing, both in the
Danube River and the Black Sea, in spite of the moratorium in force banning
commercial fishing (2006–2015, extended until 2020). However, as future prospects for the species, it is expected that continuing the restocking program and the
regulation of sturgeon fishing will result in a medium and long-term recovery of the
beluga population population in the north-western Black Sea.
Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Of the three species at the Romanian Black Sea coast, the Danube sturgeon
recorded the scarcest presence (during scientific fishing in 2012, for instance,
only one specimen was caught in summer). This reflects the loss of more than 1%
of the Danube sturgeon population per year during 2000–2006.
Similarly to the beluga, however, local fishermen have reported its presence in
several sectors of the MPA (Figs. 26.23 and 26.24).
After applying the methodology for reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats
Directive, the overall assessment for the species A. gueldenstaedtii (Danube
sturgeon) resulted as Unfavourable-Bad U2þ, which is also applicable for the
entire Romanian marine zone (Table 26.5). Similarly to the beluga, the pressure
caused by illegal fishing in the Black Sea and the Danube strongly affects the NW
Black Sea population, which is affected by the Alee Effect (adult Danube sturgeon
stocks dropped below the critical threshold, which in most areas hinders/makes
impossible the recruitment from natural breeding).
Fortunately, it is estimated that continuing the restocking program and the
regulation of sturgeon fishing rights will generate the circumstances for a recovery
of the population, but not immediately and only on the long-term.
Acipenser stellatus
The starry sturgeon was the most frequently encountered species in catches
achieved during the scientific fishing surveys, covering all sectors of the Danube
Delta – marine zone (ROSCI 0066). The highest number of A. stellatus were caught
in the Sachalin perimeter (60% of the catches), followed by Zatoane (around 25%),
Sulina and Perisor (around 4%) and Sf. Gheorghe, Periboina, Chituc and Vadu
(around 1% each) (Figs. 26.25 and 26.26).
Applying the methodology for reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, the overall assessment of the conservation status for the species A. stellatus
26 Conservation Status of the Fish Fauna in the Danube Delta Marine Zone
463