THE IMPORTANCE of the CHILIA BRANCH for PROTECTING and at the Moment of Catch

Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science. Vol. LX, 2017 spawning, was very good. The mortality in all ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ISSN 2285-5750; ISSN CD-ROM 2285-5769; ISSN Online 2393-2260; ISSN-L 2285-5750 groups was less than 10%. All males have started the spermiation process This study was supported by Project No. 10.1.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHILIA BRANCH FOR PROTECTING AND at the moment of catch. In the present financed by Sectoral Plan of the Ministry of CONSERVATION OF THE ANADROMOUS MIGRATORY STURGEONS experiment, the hormonal treatment resulted in Agriculture and Rural Development. a significantly higher production of milt. Tiberius-Marcel DANALACHE1, Stefan DIACONESCU1, Alin Marius BADILITA2, Ovulation in females from the experimental REFERENCES György DEÁK2, Elena HOLBAN2, Carmen Georgeta NICOLAE1 groups was synchronous. The short time Costache M., Bucur C., Radu D., Oprea D., Costache M., between the first and last ovulation, observed in 1University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, all the experiments, may be the result of the Nicolae C. G., 2012. Research on sperm quality of north american sturgeon species Polyodon spathula. 59 Marasti Blvd, District 1, Bucharest, Romania 2 high level of synchronous oocyte maturation. Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, LV: National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection, Bucharest - The survival of perch spawners throughout the 306-311. INCDPM, Spl. Independentei, 294, 6th District, Code 060031, Bucharest, Romania experiment was high (Dabrowski et al., 1994) Dabrowski K., Ciereszko A., Ramseyer L., Culver D., Kestemont P., 1994. Effects of hormonal treatment and (Gillet et al., 1995) reported some Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected] problems with spawner survival, especially the on induced spermation and ovulation in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Aquaculture 120: 171-180. females. The similar size of the perch spawners Dabrowski K., Ciereszko R.E., Ciereszko A., Toth G.P., Abstract used may have also resulted in synchronous Christ S.A., El-Saidy D., Ottobre J.S., 1996. spawning. Reproductive physiology of yellow perch (Perca The hydrotechnic works often generate aquatic ecosystem disturbances. Sometimes they are local and short-term, but flavescens): environmental and endocrinological sometimes they cause significant long-term impact that may be irreversible. The present paper aims to analyze the possible impact of the maintenance works performed on Bastroe channel fairway on the populations’ dynamics of CONCLUSIONS cues. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 12: 139-148. Gillet C., Dubois J.P. Bonnet S., 1995. Influence of migratory anadromous fishes, sturgeon. temperature and size of females on the timing of The methodology implied sturgeon tagging and migration monitoring using ultrasonic telemetry technique during 1. Controlled reproduction is the most reliable spawning perch, Perca fluviatilis, in Lake Geneva 2011-2014. The tags were inserted into the abdominal cavity through a simple surgical intervention, being set to method for obtaining a high number of perch from 1984 to 1993. Environmental Biology of Fishes transmit data related on swimming depth and water temperature towards receiver stations fixed on Chilia branch, larvae. 42: 355-363. upstream and downstream of Bastroe channel, Tulcea and Old Danube branches. 2. Perch spawners of wild and cultured stocks Horvath L., Szabo T., Burke J., 1997. Hatchery testing of The results showed that the distribution of the adult specimens during migration on Chilia and Tulcea branches was GnRH analogue - containing pellets on ovulation in 53% - 47% (spring 2012/2014) and 31% - 69% in autumn 2013. A possible progressive warping of the Old Stambul spawn easily in captivity. four cyprinid species. Polskie Archiwum and especially Musura branch, as well as an increase of the naval traffic on Bastroe channel will have major negative 3. The main factors that influence the amount Hydrobiologii 44: 221-226. effects on upstream sturgeon migration for breeding. and quality of perch artificial spawning are: Kouril J., Linhart 0., Reiot P., 1997. Induced spawning gametes; temperature, photoperiod and of perch by means of a GnRH analogue. Aquacult. Key words: fish migration, monitoring, Old Danube, sturgeon conservation. physiological status of the parents. Int. 5: 375-377. Kucharczyk D., Kujawa R., Mamcarz A., 1996a. A new INTRODUCTION by digging the channel, which will cause the 4. The use of different types of hormonal experimental incubation chambers for perch (Perca water flow’s system change and a new way of treatments can lead to getting quality material fluviatilis) eggs. Progressive Fish - Culturist 58: 281- Chilia branch and Bastroe channel are parts of sedimentation in the area of the Bastroe gametes and species for aquaculture 283. the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, having estuary. The impact on ichtyofauna may be a development. Kucharczyk D., Kujawa R., Mamcarz A., Skrzypczak A., great importance due to the many types of temporary one, generated by high mortality 5. Reproduction of agents used in our Wyszomirska E., 1996b. Induced spawning in perch, Perca fluviatilis L. using carp pituitary extract and aquatic and terrestrial habitats existing here. among fish species caused by dredging experiments the best results were obtained hCG. Aquaculture Research 27: 847-852. The universal value of the reserve has been activities or their withdrawal from the area, and when hCG and Ovopel. Ronyai A., 2007. Induced out-off-season and seasonal recognized by its inclusion in the international also a permanent impact, irreparably through 6. The doses of spawning agents depend on tank spawning and stripping of pike perch (Sander network of the Biosphere Reserves (1990), the disappearance of species due to changes of many factors: time of spawning (season, out-of- lucioperca L.). Aquacult. Res. 1-8. within the Program "Man and Biosphere" habitual requirements. season) maturation stage of fish gonads and (MAB) launched by UNESCO in 1970. Bastroe One category of fish species sensitive to hydro- type of hormone. channel was formed naturally and makes the morphological changes of the watercourse is

connection between Chilia branch and the represented by sturgeon. It is proved the fact Black Sea. Although the area benefits of full that human activities related to the change of ecological protection regime, according to the natural watercourses led to a decline of this which any human activity in the region is species population over time. The best example forbidden, in the area have been conducted a are the dams built for the Iron Gates I and II series of works for the riverbed arrangement Hydropower plants (Bacalbasa-Dobrovici, through which is seeking the direct access of 1993, 1997; Ciolac, 2004; Reinartz, 2002). The commercial ships in the Black Sea (Șofineți interruption of the longitudinal connectivity of and Dobrotă, 2004). An effect of the channel watercourses leads to the impossibility of arrangement will be an overall disturbance of reproduction in case these species cannot reach the habitats, due to the banks transformations to specific habitats located upstream and thus, 337

the number of specimens decreases alarmingly measurements (single beam and multibeam), In order to have a general overview of the specimen did not reproduced in the previous from one year to another (Kerr et al., 2010; Yi sections from one side of the riverbed to the sturgeon migration on Chilia branch and to year and intended to acccomplish this action in et al., 2010). other were made, on a sector of approximately perform a comparison with their behavior on 2014. Sturgeon are cartilaginous bony fish species 600 m (300 m downstream the location where Tulcea branch, the research team mounted that migrate from the Black Sea on the Danube the monitoring system was mounted and 300 m reception systems for ultrasonic signal on River only for reproduction, and then return upstream). The measurements result was a 3D Danube River at km 100, on Tulcea branch at into the sea (Oţel, 2007; Antipa, 1909; representation of the river morphology. For the km 70 and on Chilia at Bastroe confluence Bănărescu, 1964 ). National legislation protects assembly, it has been chosen only the areas (Fig. 1). sturgeon species by prohibiting fishing and with slight slope, without deep thresholds or their commercialization (Order no. 330/2006) holes, which may screen the signal transmitted and by Danube programs for restocking with by the ultrasonic mark attached to sturgeon juvenile sturgeon specimens. Internationally, specimens. many non-governmental organizations take The ultrasonic tagging of sturgeon specimens action for saving sturgeon species. has been conducted after a procedure with Sturgeons are important due to the fact that minimal stress on specimens. Thus, fish have their presence on the Danube River was been placed in a contention floating tube, confirmed since ancient times and represented directly into the water body provided with slots a source of food for coastal communities. for a good oxygenation (Badilita et al., 2012). Greek orator, Claudius Elian in his papers from Before the tagging surgery, biometric measu- the second century b.h. describes a technique rements have been performed (total length, for beluga capturing in the Danube River standard length, weight), the genre of the fish Figure 1. Location of the monitoring stations through the use of lines with hooks attached to has been determined with an endoscope and a rope distributed transversely on the DNA samples have been taken for each speci- On Chilia branch were not reported any catches watercourse, a technique very similar to lining men. Then, the fish have been anesthetized of the T-bar tagged sturgeons in the studied fishing (Palatnikov, 2010). On Chilia branch, through electro-narcosis and on the incision period. Regarding the ultrasonic tagged Bacalbaşa-Dobrovici (1997) recalls the Italian area has been locally injected xiline. The size specimens, the receivers’ recordings showed monk Niccolo Barsari’s visit during 1633-1639 of an incision was of approximately 3 cm and that in 2012 spring 53% of the specimens that who noted that fishermen captured daily has been done with a sterile surgical material. migrated towards the Black Sea used Chilia between 1000 and 2000 sturgeon specimens. The closure of the area, after ultrasonic branch, while during 2013 autumn the The National Institute for Research and marking, it has been done with an absorbable percentage decreased at 31% and in 2014 Development in Environmental Protection has suture thread. The area has been swabbed with Figure 2. Distribution of sturrgeon migration on Chilia spring reached again the value of 53% (Fig. 2). analyzed the migration of sturgeons in the Betadine and then, a special medical adhesive and Tulcea branches between 2012 - 2014 In Table 1 is presented the distribution of period of 2011-2014 and has noticed the that hardens in seconds and do not allow water to sturgeon specimens detected between 2013- possible negative effect of the arrangement enter in the abdominal cavity has been applied. Even that a lot of research works consider that 2014 on Chilia branch in respect with the works on Bastroe channel on these species. Finally, an "anti-poaching" spaghetti tag has been sturgeon specimens migrate upstream during migration direction (upstream or downstream). fixed, on the dorsal flipper, with a special pistol. autumn and remain until the next spring Therefore, for the upstream migration from the MATERIALS AND METHODS All the identifycation data of each sturgeon migration season for reproduction purposes Black Sea to the spawning areas were identiffied specimen have been noted on the catch sheet. On (Chebanov and Galich, 2011), our research also specimens tagged before 2011-2013. The monitoring of sturgeon species migration every operation, a veterinarian specialist was revealed that some speciimens have a different The male Stellate sturgeon specimens with conducted by the National Institute for present, who monitored the development of each behaviour returning to tthe Black Sea in the codes 2S5 and 3S48 came again for a new Research and Development in Environmental phase of tagging procedure. same season (E.g.: 6S12, 6S14, 6S21, 6S22). reproduction cycle after 2 years and 2 years and during 2011-2014 has been performed by using From the 5 specimens of beluga tagged during a half, respectively, from the tagging moment. ultrasonic telemetry. The method involves the RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 2013 autumn, only the 6S11 specimen was This observation is in accordance with the use of tags attached to sturgeon specimens recorded on Chilia branch also in 2014 spring previous research which showed that sturgeon which transmits the information through water, In 2011-2014 frame times, sturgeon catching, season. do not perform reproduction actions every year with the help of ultrasounds, to a series of tagging and releasing was performed on the The 7S1, 7S28, 7S32, 77S33, 7S2 specimens (Hochleithner and Gessner, 1999). Gonads’ receiver stations fixed at certain strategic points Danube River between Calarasi and Braila. were tagged in 2014 spriing on Calarasi-Braila maturation is directly influenced by the species, (Badilita et al., 2013; Deák et al. 2013, 2014a, During this period were studied 253 specimens sector of the Danube River and were recorded age, gender and hydro-climatic conditions 2014b; Raischi et al., 2016a, 2016b). of beluga, Russian sturgeon, Stellate sturgeon by the two receiving-recording systems (Reinartz, 2002). A second example is Stellate Before assembling the systems, a riverbed in and Sterlet sturgeon, 186 being tagged both mounted on the Chilia branch (upstream and sturgeon 5S9 tagged in 2013 spring which situ analysis has been performed. With a boat with ultrasonic and anti-poaching (T-bar) tags, downstream of the Bastroe confluence), at the came back after one year, in 2014 spring. An on which was installed a device for bathymetric while 67 were only tagged with anti- poaching end of the reproduction season when they tags. explanation for this behavior may be that the migrated back to the Black Sea. 338

Table 1. Sturgeon migration routes on Chilia branch at the confluence with Bastroe channel The research performed on sturgeon swimming caused by the works performed on Chilia and Nr. Sheet Taggiing Records Migration behavior showed that they prefer deep water for Bastroe branches for fairway improvement. Species Genderr Crt. number period Chilia branch TyT pe upstream migration (Hochleithner and Gessner, A possible progressive clogging of the Old Stellate 1999) because the water velocity is lower than Stambul branch and especially of Musura 1 2S5 A. 2011 male 24.03.2014 sturgeon Spring migration 2014 in shallow water, decreasing the energy branch may have a further major impact on Stellate consumption. For the downstream migration sturgeon upstream migration. 2 3S48 S.2012 male 24.04.2014 (Returning of sturgeon sturgeon specimens tagga ed in 2011, they prefer the shallow water because of the Therefore, is necessary to undertake further Stellate 2012, 2013) 3 5S9 S.2013 male 04.05.2014 high water velocity. research and monitoring activities for revealing sturgeon The graph presented below highlights the the issues that may have a harmful effect on

4 6S11 A. 2013 Beluga male 02.05.2014 sturgeon specimens that passes through Chilia sturgeon species in order to implement, in time, branch for both upstream and downstream the necessary measures to reduce the associated 5 6S12 A. 2013 Beluga male 15-16.11.2013 migration. For downstream swimming depth it risks. Autumn migration 2013 can be seen a minimum value of 1.06 m, while 6 6S14 A. 2013 Beluga male 13-14.11.2013 (Sturgeon specimens for downstream swimming depth the minimum ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS tagged in 2013) 7 6S21 A. 2013 Beluga male 24.11.2013 value is 4.6 m (Fig. 3). This research work was carried out with the

8 6S22 A. 2013 Beluga male 03.12.2013 CONCLUSIONS support of National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection, 9 7S1 S. 2014 Beluga male 07.05.2014 The results of the research performed by the Bucharest, Contract no. 140, (2013), Study Stellate INCDPM team showed that Chilia branch has a regarding the quality monitoring of the 10 7S28 S. 2014 male 23.06.2014 sturgeon Spring migration 2014 high importance for sturgeon migration being physical-chemical and biological components Stellate (Sturgeon specimens 11 7S32 S. 2014 male 01.05.2014 tagged in 2014) used in both migration seasons (spring-autumn) from Danube Delta and the adjacent coastline sturgeon both for upstream migration in reproduction considering the transboundary impact of the Stellate 12 7S33 S. 2014 male 24.06.2014 sturgeon purposes and for downstream migration to the Bastroe Channel, during 2010-present, and the Stellate Black Sea. environmental consequences analysis in the 13 7S42 S. 2014 male 13.05.2014 sturgeon Therefore, the results revealed that in the spring Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and in the season of 2012 and 2014, 53% of the monitored adjacent coastline determined by the Bastroe

A. = autumn specimens used Chilia branch, while in the project. S. = spring 2013 spring season only 31% used the same

= upstream migration branch. On Chilia branch, at Bastroe REFERENCES confluence, the minimum sturgeon swimming = downstream migration depths was 1.06 m for upstream migration and Antipa Gr., 1909. Fauna Ihtiologică a României,

the maximum value was 12.28 m. Academia Română, Publicațiunile Fondului Vasile Adamachi, Bucureşti. These swimming depths are in accordance with Bacalbasa-Dobrovici N., 1993. The romanian sturgeon the previously reported ones, sturgeon salvation needs a consequent strategy and tactics, specimens preferring a lower water velocity at Scientific Annals of the Danube Delta Institute. upstream migration (swimming close to the Bacalbasa-Dobrovici N., 1997. Endangered migratory riverbed) for energy saving purposes and a sturgeons of the Lower Danube River and its delta, Environmental Biology of Fishes. higher water velocity at downstream migration. Bănărescu P., 1964. Fauna R.P.R. Vol. XIII. Pisces- The dredging works performed upstream on Osteichtzes, Ed. Academiei R.P.R., Bucureşti. Chilia branch, including Bastroe channel, may Badilita A.M., Tănase B., Deák G., Raischi M., Suciu R., have harmful effects such as: habitats losing or Honț Ș., Diaconescu Ș., Nicolae C., 2012. disturbing through elimination of the sediment Preliminary results on the lower Danube sturgeon migration monitoring. Scientific Papers. D Series. used for reproduction, destroying Animal Science, LV: 301-305. macroinvertebrates fauna which constitute the Badilita A.M., Deák G., Nicolae C.G., Diaconescu Ș. main food for sturgeon species, and also 2013. Contributions to understanding the fall increasing sturgeon larvae and juvenile death. migration of beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) on the Knowing that at the end of 19th century was Lower Danube River, Romania. Aquarium, Conservation & Legislation International - Journal of emphasized the negative effect of the dredging the Bioflux Society, 6(4): 281-296. works on Sulina branch consisting of Chebanov M.S., Galich E.V., 2011. Sturgeon hatchery Figure 3. Swimming depths of sturgeon specimens recorded on Chilia brranch hampering sturgeon migration on this branch, manual. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No. 558. Ankara, FAO. there is a major risk for the sturgeon migration 340

A. = autumn specimens used Chilia branch, while in the project. S. = spring 2013 spring season only 31% used the same

Ciolac A., 2004. Study of migratory sturgeons captures Palatnikov G. M., 2010. Sturgeons – Contemporaries of in Romanian side of Danube River migration of Dinosaurs, Baku. fishes in Romanian Danube River No3, Journal of Raischi M.C., Oprea L., Deák Gy., Zamfir S., Ilie M., BROWN BEAR MAULINGS ON DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN ROMANIA – Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 3(1), Raischi N., 2016a. Impact of the Lower Danube Budapest, Hungary. hydro technical works on sturgeons’ migration, PRELIMINARY STUDY Deák Gy., Badilita A.M., Popescu I., Raischi C.M., International Journal of Environmental Science, Manoliu P.A., Dorobantu G., Tănase G.S., Danalache Volume 1, pp 213-219. Laura Mihaela DUMITRU, Andrei Constantin STOIAN, T.M., Antohe A.G., Tudor M., 2013. Research tools Raischi M.C., Oprea L., Deak Gy., Badilita A., Tudor Laura DARIE, Emilia CIOBOTARU and techniques for sturgeons’ spawning migration M., 2016b. Comparative study on the use of new monitoring. Case study: Danube River, km 375-175, sturgeon migration monitoring systems on the lower Universitas, Petrosani. Danube, Environmental Engineering and University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Deák Gy., Badilita A.M., Danalache T., Tudor M., Management Journal 15(5): 1081-1085. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 105 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, Bucharest, Romania 2014a. Use of acoustic telemetry for providing an Romanian Government, 2006. Order no. 330/2006 insight into sturgeons behavior and migration routes regarding conservation of sturgeon species from Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected] on Lower Danube, Journal of Environmental natural waters and aquaculture development in Protection and Ecology, 15(3): 954 – 964. Romania. Abstract Deák Gy., Badilita A.M., Popescu I., Tudor M., 2014b. Reinartz R., 2002. Sturgeons in the Danube River, Research on sturgeon migration behavior using a new biology, status, conservation. Literature and The study aimed to describe the morphology of injuries produced by brown bear (Ursusarctosarctos) on domestic monitoring, control and alarming system, Journal of information study on behalf of the International animals such as cattle, sheep, pig and chicken.The study has been conducted during the period 2014 -2016 in Romania, Environmental Protection and Ecology, 15, 3. Association for Danube Research (IAD), ArgeşCounty.The lesions have been described in fifteen dead animals and two injured animals left alive.Indirect Hochleithner M., Gessner J., 1999. The Sturgeon and Landesfischereiverband Bayern e.V. and Bezirk methods for identifying the attacking species were used by collecting samples from the site of the attack (hair, faecesand Paddlefishes (Acipenseriformes) of the World: Oberpfalz. footprints). Dead animals have been examined by necropsy. Routine clinical examination has been done on alive Biology and Aquaculture, AquaTech Publications, Șofineți M., Dobrotă C., 2004. Controversa româno- animals. Additional information about the attacked animals has been gathered by interviewing the owners and hunting Kitzbuhl. ucrainiană în problema canalului Bastroe. Revista fund managers. The characteristic injuries for bear attack were represented by parallel and linear, superficial or deep Kerr S. J., Davison M. J. and Funnell E., 2010. A review Transilvană de Ştiinţe Administrative, 3(12). wounds, bite marks, and tissue avulsions. Prey consumption appears to be characteristic in attacked animals, in of lake sturgeon habitat requirements and strategies Yi Y., Yang Z., Zhang S., 2010. Ecological influence of humans being rarely mentioned. The specific localization of bear mauling are on head, neck, cervical and thoracic to protect and enhance sturgeon habitat. Fisheries dam construction and river lake connectivity on areas followed by upper hindquarters, forelimbs and hind limbs. The most serious injuries are represented by the neck Policy Section, Biodiversity Branch. Ontario migrating fish habitat in the Yangtze River basin, and chest area features which have been observed in cattle examination.Mortality rate for the animals attacked by Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, China. International Society‐ for Environmental brown bear and found dead or alive is: 100% for chickens, 100% for pigs, 66.66% for sheep, 87.5% for cattle. Ontario. Information Sciences 2010 Annual Conference Oțel V., 2007. Atlasul peştilor din Rezervaţia Biosferei (ISEIS). Beijing: Procedia Environmental Sciences. Key words: brown bear, domestic animals, attack, mauling, Romania. Delta Dunării, Ed. Centrul de Informare Tehnologică Delta Dunării, Tulcea. INTRODUCTION

The biggest population of brown bear, one of with a female bear with cubs, or with a feeding the largest living carnivores in Europe, is bear. All these situations are considered self- dispersed in Romanian Carpathians. defence of the individual, as result of a surprise This species is also a high priority in or unpredicted meeting. conservation in European Union, the number of Regarding the domestic animals, these are individuals being an important indicator in attacked in households situated in mountain, management of wildlife species. (Zedrosser et submontane area and at sheepfold, case in al. 2001; Cotovelea, 2014). which the bear gets its food. The interaction between man and bear, bear The importance of the study emerges from the and domestic animals had been always lack of description of injuries caused by bear in subjected for scientific research, media and animals, comparing with reported cases in movies. Being one of the largest carnivores in humans. Europe and occupying the top of the food The study area, Arges County, houses an chain, anthropization and habituation reflect average population of 700 brown bears, this negatively on bear behaviour. population is slightly increasing in the past Consequently, the bears wander closer and years. (Environmental Protection Agency closer to households and livestock, resulting in Arges County – bear statistics). attacks on human and domestic animals (Pop, 2012; Tough, 1993, Zimmermann et al., 2003). MATERIALS AND METHODS The majority of attacks reported in humans occurred in forests or at the edge of the forests. The period analysed in this study was 2014- All the events can be generally characterized as 2016, and refers to Argeş County, Romania. “face-to-face meetings” or “close encounters” Two groups of animals were studied, as follows: 342