TOUR DU VALAT
A research centre for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands
Our programme
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Introduced species and interactions with local species
Project leader: Alain CRIVELLI (See the CV)
CONTEXT
- Eel and European catfish
The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is found and exploited in most European water bodies and a number of sites in northern Africa. More than 25,000 people obtain a substantial income from eel fisheries. In recent decades, however, eel recruitment and catches have dramatically declined throughout the range of the species. With a 99% decline in recruitment, the unique European eel Anguillla anguilla, seems to have become another component of European biodiversity deemed close to extinction. Recently, it was included in the IUCN Red List as “critically endangered”. The drop is so serious that in 2007 the species was listed in the Appendix II of the CITES convention and European Community set an institutional framework for eel recovery (EC 1100/2007).
The causes of its widespread decline are still little understood, but most likely include changes in oceanic circulation, the impact of new parasites, habitat disruption, chemical contamination and overfishing at different developmental stages.
- Marble trout and rainbow trout
Currently, the marble trout, Salmo marmoratus (LC in the IUCN Red list) is restricted to the Adriatic Basin of Slovenia. Some populations may still also exist in parts of the Po River catchment, however, proofs of their existence today are still lacking. The species is threatened with extinction.
The threats to marble trout are: introgression by exotic trout, elimination due to the introduction of exotic trout, climate change and anthropic actions (habitat destruction, poaching, etc.).
MAIN OBJECTIVE
To mitigate the extinction risk to the European eel and the Marble trout.
On the field :
- Eel and European catfish
The aim is to assess the management measures for predator control, in this case catfish, and the restocking of 60% of the glass eels captured in order to improve the escapement rate of good-quality silver eels.
- Marble trout and rainbow trout
- To assess the impact of climate change, anthropogenic factors, and rainbow trout on marble trout, and to find the best way to reduce or eradicate the rainbow trout.
- To duplicate the population of pure marble trout.
Contents:
Activities:
- Eel and European catfish
Each EU Member State is required to develop Eel Management Plans (EMPs) in order to achieve the escapement of at least 40% of potential spawning biomass (with respect to undisturbed conditions) from each river basin.
- Marble trout and rainbow trout
Our partner in Slovenia, has been nominated by the State as manager of all rivers in the study area for the next 30 years and will convince local authorities to implement the findings of our studies on the impact of rainbow trout and water management. In Greece and the FYR of Macedonia, SPP and other NGOs will try to convince local authorities to implement the findings of our studies concerning water management and poaching.
