Media Event 2010
Work package 2 will use a combination of telemetry methods to monitor beluga migrations and genetic analysis of both historic and present day samples, to deduce the current structure of the Danube beluga population. This information will then be used to identify the potential limitations to beluga recovery and therefore the most effective conservation practices.
Work package leader: Carolyn Knight,NIVA
Participants: All partners
Participants roles:
DDNI – Biological research, research into novel sturgeon viewing techniques.
NIVA – Biological research, research into novel sturgeon viewing techniques and hosting two DDNI genetics placements.
NTNU – Research into the suitability of different tourism approaches
Duration: 27 months
Objectives: To enhance knowledge and understanding of the beluga sturgeon to maximise the sustainable tourism potential and to make recommendations to aid the recovery of the species. The objectives of this WP are to assess the distribution of beluga sturgeon in the Black Sea and the Danube and the movements between these areas (Sub task 3.1) and to investigate the current and (if suitable museum specimens exist) the historical population structure of current to understand the extent of impact of the Iron Gate dams and overfishing, and to recommend suitable recovery plans (Subt ask 3.2). Through these two investigations the most suitable adventure tourism activities will be identified, information will be collected about the species for tourists and conservation tourist volunteers will be involved in activities (Sub task 3.3).
Methodology: Fish movements will be tracked with satellite and acoustic telemetry. Fixed monitoring stations will record sturgeon presence in specific areas of the Danube constantly and volunteers will conduct manual tracking to provide finer scale information. Genetic analysis will be used to investigate the past and present population structure of beluga sturgeon using small tissue samples (not damaging to the fish). DIDSON echo-sounding will be investigated as a method of viewing and counting sturgeon in a non-disruptive way. Exchange of staff and students between Romania and Norway will enable collaborations to be built and expertise to be exchanged. Production of peer-reviewed scientific and popularised articles will promote the findings to a wide national and international audience.
Deliverables:
• Scientific review article documenting beluga sturgeon biology
• Documentation of the distribution of sturgeon throughout the Danube delta and the genetic status of the species to advise management plans
• International scientific articles documenting the WP findings
• Recommendations for ‘hands on’ activities and sturgeon information to feed into the tourism WP
• Grant proposal to the Earthwatch Institute
