Ichthyofauna Conservation and Legislation in Serbia

Abstract

During the entire European civilisation development, there was notable anthropogenic influence on ichthyofauna. Fish remains, mostly of pike and sturgeon species, were found on numerous locations. Intense fishing and constant worsening of environmental conditions in last few centuries and especially decades, led to serious decline in total fish fund, especially of some fish species. Unlike birds and mammals, the protection of freshwater fishes in Europe was focused on the species of economic significance. Taking this into account, it is necessary to establish a modern concept of ichthyofauna protection and improvement, which will provide a basis for the measures of integral protection of river systems fish fund. The current status of some fish species was determined considering the principles and criteria of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It contains five basic categories: endangered, vulnerable, rare, data deficient and not evaluated. The most important stresses for ichthyofauna are pollution, habitat changes, introduction, hybridisation and overfishing. In order to conserve ichthyofauna, international organisations and experts in the area of fishing and environmental protection recommend the use of allowed fishing equipment, maintenance of optimal hydrological, physico-chemical and biological water flows characteristics, as well as adequate fish stocking. According to positive Serbian legislation there are a new propositions of conservative status of some fish species and permanent i.e. limited fishing in relation to species, period and standard length.