Small Water Bodies of the Western Balkans

Small Water Bodies of the Western Balkans
Author: Vladimir Pešić
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 449
Release: 2021-11-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030864782

The small water bodies such as headwater streams, springs, ditches, small lakes, and ponds are critical to maintaining freshwater biodiversity. This is especially true for Dinaric karst, where they are often the only water bodies present. However, despite their importance, they remain widely overlooked and excluded from government policies like the EU Water Framework Directive. This book includes information on different aspects of these essential but still neglected habitats. This book intends to be of interest to a wide range of audiences, from researchers and conservationists to the public and decision-makers.

Ecological Sustainability of Fish Resources of Inland Waters of the Western Balkans

Ecological Sustainability of Fish Resources of Inland Waters of the Western Balkans
Author: Vladica Simić
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 714
Release: 2023-12-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3031369262

This book provides a detailed evaluation of the hydro-ecological characteristics of the Western Balkans, an area characterized by still preserved inland waters and fish resources important for the European continent, as well as the biodiversity of inland waters important for the planet Earth. Freshwater ecosystems cover only 1% of the Earth's surface; however, they are a habitat for about 40% of fish species. At the same time, inland fisheries make less than 12% of the world's global fish catch, with 43% coming from low-income and food-deficient countries (Africa, South America, Southeast Asia). In Europe, the Western Balkans have significant fishing waters and fish resources, including the Middle Danube drainage (Sava, Drina, Velika Morava river systems), large ancient lakes (Skadar/Shkodra, Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran), and the Adriatic basin characterized by endemic and commercially important species. However, in contrast to the high fishing potential in a significant part of the Western Balkans, diverse and specific political, economic, and social factors largely had a negative impact on the state of fish resources. This volume is multidisciplinary and provides a sound knowledge base for scientific and practical fisheries. In addition, it may be a valuable guide for managers and conservationists worldwide to adapt methods and procedures for the ecological sustainability of fish resources under specific local, natural, and socio-economic conditions. Finally, the content is a good reference for natural sciences and agriculture students studying fish, fish resources, and fisheries sciences. It would improve their knowledge and perspectives on the challenges of sustainable use and conservation of inland water resources.

Balkan Biodiversity

Balkan Biodiversity
Author: Huw I. Griffiths
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 356
Release: 2013-03-19
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1402028547

This is the first attempt to synthesize current understanding of biodiversity in the great European hot spot. A diverse group of international researchers offers perspective on biodiversity at the level of the gene, species and ecosystem, including contributions on temporal change. Biological groups include plants, mammals, spiders and humans, cave-dwelling organisms, fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae.

Freshwater Fisheries Ecology

Freshwater Fisheries Ecology
Author: John F. Craig
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 920
Release: 2016-01-12
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118394402

Inland fisheries are vital for the livelihoods and food resources of humans worldwide but their importance is underestimated, probably because large numbers of small, local operators are involved. Freshwater Fisheries Ecology defines what we have globally, what we are going to lose and mitigate for, and what, given the right tools, we can save. To estimate potential production, the dynamics of freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes and estuaries) need to be understood. These dynamics are diverse, as are the earths freshwater fisheries resources (from boreal to tropical regions), and these influence how fisheries are both utilized and abused. Three main types of fisheries are illustrated within the book: artisanal, commercial and recreational, and the tools which have evolved for fisheries governance and management, including assessment methods, are described. The book also covers in detail fisheries development, providing information on improving fisheries through environmental and habitat evaluation, enhancement and rehabilitation, aquaculture, genetically modified fishes and sustainability. The book thoroughly reviews the negative impacts on fisheries including excessive harvesting, climate change, toxicology, impoundments, barriers and abstractions, non-native species and eutrophication. Finally, key areas of future research are outlined. Freshwater Fisheries Ecology is truly a landmark publication, containing contributions from over 100 leading experts and supported by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles. The global approach makes this book essential reading for fish biologists, fisheries scientists and ecologists and upper level students in these disciplines. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where biological and fisheries sciences are studied and taught should have multiple copies of this hugely valuable resource. About the Editor John Craig is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Fish Biology and has an enormous range of expertise and a wealth of knowledge of freshwater fishes and their ecology, having studied them around the globe, including in Asia, North America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. His particular interests have been in population dynamics and life history strategies. He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology.

West Balkans Regional Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Manual

West Balkans Regional Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Manual
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 100
Release: 2018-11-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9251096422

A reference for official veterinarians, veterinary inspectors and fish health experts to facilitate daily tasks at aquaculture farms in five Balkan countries and improve product compliance with common EU market standards.

Rivers of Europe

Rivers of Europe
Author: Klement Tockner
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 946
Release: 2021-11-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0081026137

Rivers of Europe, Second Edition, presents the latest update on the only primary source of complete and comparative baseline data on the biological and hydrological characteristics of more than 180 of the highest profile rivers in Europe. With even more full-color photographs and maps, the book includes conservation information on current patterns of river use and the extent to which human society has exploited and impacted them. Each chapter includes up to 10 featured rivers, with detailed information on their physiography, hydrology, ecology/biodiversity and human impacts. Rivers selected for specific coverage include the largest, the most natural, and those most affected by humans. This book provides the most comprehensive information ecologists and conservation managers need to better assess their management and meet the EU legislative good governance targets. Includes comparison photos of rivers, along with information on the history and management of each river Presents summary information on hydrological, ecological and freshwater biodiversity patterns and trends of each river Highlights environmental issues of great importance to citizens and governments, including fragmentation by dams, pollution, introduction of nonnative species and reductions in biodiversity

Status of Environment and Climate in the Western Balkans

Status of Environment and Climate in the Western Balkans
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022
Genre:
ISBN: 9789276527237

Accurate and complete environmental information is at the basis of any effective sustainable development policy. This report summarises for the first time the status of air, climate, water and soil in the Western Balkans (WB), describing current knowledge as of 2021 and gaps with respect to the EU aquis in order to: a) benchmark the progress during the accession process, and b) support the implementation of the Green Agenda for the WB with particular reference to depollution and decarbonisation priorities. This information is also relevant for the EU Green Deal zero pollution ambition, as depollution in WB also reduces pollutant levels in neighbouring EU Member States. Despite significant improvements in the alignment of the climate and GHG emissions monitoring and reporting legislation and the good progress in the areas of air and water pollution in the latest two years, the EU aquis implementation is still lagging. The overall WB air quality situation is still critical and the pollution trend is often upwards, despite PM10 and PM2.5 concentration have decreased in certain areas. Due to its dominant impact on mortality, PM2.5 can be considered the main pollutant to target in the WB. The energy sector, in particular coal-fuelled power plants, is the major source of SO2 and CO2 emissions and an important source of other pollutants. It offers a concrete opportunity for co-benefits between air quality and climate policies. The increase in intensity and frequency of summer heatwaves in the latest decades is an indicator of climate change in the WB and the need to design appropriate adaptation plans to cope with it. The status of waterbodies in the WB can generally be assessed as unsatisfactory. In the case of chemical status, 45% of waterbodies assessed failed to reach good status, while in the ecological assessment 54% failed to reach good status. Case studies on antibiotic resistance, as well as effect-based studies on mixtures of pollutants confirmed that aquatic ecosystems, particularly large fluvial rivers, are under considerable anthropogenic pressure. Soil degradation is prevalent and extensive throughout the WB region. Soil erosion is the most relevant degradation process followed by soil pollution. Unsustainable land management practices and natural causes of soil degradation in the region are interlinked. In order to make progress in the implementation of the environmental legislation it is necessary to improve the integration of the environmental measures into key sectorial policies (e.g. energy production, energy efficiency, industry, transport). This principle is reflected in the Green Agenda for the WB and the new EU Soil Strategy. Due to the relatively small area of the WB and the interconnections between ecosystems across and beyond the region, strengthening regional and international cooperation is essential to involve all the relevant actors and stakeholders in the design and implementation of environmental policies.

The Changing Face of Rural Space

The Changing Face of Rural Space
Author: Julian Lampietti
Publisher: World Bank Publications
Total Pages: 181
Release: 2009-05-04
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0821379313

Although at different stages of development, the countries of the Western Balkans—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia—face similar challenges in transforming and modernizing their agricultural food production (agri-food) sectors. Their rural sectors have lagged behind the rest of the economy in growth and poverty reduction, their agri-food sectors are undercapitalized and highly fragmented, and their agro-processing capacities limited. Agricultural trade deficits are widening, climate change is posing increasing risks to farm incomes, and low-cost imports and changing consumer preferences are further eroding competitiveness. Added to this scenario are the challenges and opportunities of adopting the EU 'acquis communautaire' relating to agriculture. Based on recent World Bank reports prepared in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the European Commission Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, 'The Changing Face of Rural Space: Agriculture and Rural Development in the Western Balkans' identifies what is constraining agricultural competitiveness in these countries, examines public expenditures in agriculture, and diagnoses key challenges for agricultural policy makers. The book expands on previous findings to provide a strategic policy framework for transforming and modernizing the agri-food sector and, in the context of region’s ongoing process of integration with the European Union, creating a dynamic rural space in the Western Balkans. The book offers Western Balkan governments and international donors a shared vision of the goals and directions their agriculture and rural development policies and programs might take.

The Geography of Albania

The Geography of Albania
Author: Dhimitёr Doka
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 267
Release: 2022-02-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030855511

This book is the first to give a comprehensive and detailed overview of the complete geography of Albania in English. It highlights the most important and manifold potentials of nature, society and economy of Albania as well as development problems during different time periods. One focus lies on Albania's perspectives and challenges for the future.Beside natural aspects also topics such as migration, poverty, social situation, economy, urban development, regional disparities among others are discussed.This book appeals to academics and researchers of geography, regional development and related disciplines as well as teachers and students of geography, geology, natural sciences, social sciences, economics. The book is also attractive for media representatives, tourists and other interested individuals travelling to Albania.