Ukrainian environmentalists release 15,000 Danube salmon, repopulating rivers with protected species

A group of environmentalists recently released 15,358 Danube salmon fry into rivers in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region to preserve and increase the region's fish population.

Rubryka reports, citing the statement of the Zakarpattia Fish Protection Patrol.

What is the problem?

The patrol highlights that fishing Danube salmon is completely prohibited.

"This fish species is protected by the Bern Convention, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and the European Red List," ecologists said. "Only the strictest protection and artificial breeding of salmon will help to increase its number."

What is the solution?

The release of Danube salmon fry helps reproduce aquatic biological resources. It was carried out on the initiative of Ukraine's State Fisheries Agency.

The government financed fish breeding at the "Lopushno" trout hatchery. The average weight of the fry was 5.23 g. 

How does it work?

A total of 15,358 specimens were released into the following rivers of Zakarpattia: Teresva, Bila Tysa, Chorna Tysa, and Tereblia.

The stocking was under the control of the commission consisting of the employees of the Zakarpattia Fish Protection Patrol, representatives of regional offices of the State Production and Consumer Service, the State Environmental Inspectorate, and local authorities.

Public organizations and the younger generation also joined the action.

Rubryka reported that the Lviv Museum opened a fishing exhibition near the lake to showcase ancient fishing tools common in Ukraine.

Rubryka also reported that an experimental project on mariculture development was launched in Ukraine.

For reference

Danube salmon, or redfish, is the most valuable fish of the rivers of the Danube basin, flowing from the Carpathian Mountains. It is a member of the salmon family, also known as the huchen.

It is found in the east of the Zakarpattia region, in the middle and lower reaches of the Teresva, Tereblia, and Tysa Rivers. This is one of the largest fish in mountain rivers; the length and weight reach more than 180 cm and 60 kg, respectively. Danube salmon is considered a rare form of taimen, which was previously widespread in the water bodies of Eurasia.