Agenda

Davor Zanella, Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract:
Fish introductions, particularly in areas of high biological diversity and endemism, represent a major threat for biodiversity. In the Balkan Peninsula, 60 fish species have been introduced to date, of which 36 have become naturalised in inland waters. Since the Balkans are one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots, this large presence of alien fish species poses a serious threat for the stability of freshwater ecosystems, the survival of the native ichthyofauna, and biodiversity in general. The reasons behind the introductions, and the historical timeline, vary in individual Balkan states. Despite recent attempts to implement and align legislation aimed at preventing the introduction of potentially invasive species, and the implementation of rigorous controls of introductions and increased protection of open waters, today the majority of introductions remains intentional, primarily via aquaculture. The current issues, implications and future perspectives concerning alien fish sp ecies in the Balkan peninsula are also discussed.