Large-scale cross-border project on restoring biodiversity being implemented on Dnieper River

16 мая 2017

By Olga Maslovskaya: Mass fish mortality caused by enormous heat was observed in the upper reaches of the Dnieper in Russia’s territory last summer. Belarusians and Russians agreed to eliminate the consequences of the ecological disaster together. The first step has been made.

Poaching and water pollution are among other reasons for a sharp decrease in fish populations.

Experts believe that fish stocking will help solve the problem. For instance, 1,500 sterlet specimens weighing a total of 300 kilograms were purchased at a fish farm in the Zhitkovichi district and transported 400 kilometers within 8 hours in containers filled with water continuously saturated with oxygen.

22 water bodies across Belarus were stocked with fish last year, the fish juveniles purchased due to contributions made by amateur fishermen. Pike and pike perch specimen will be released into the Dnieper this season. Particular attention to the river is understandable: due to anomalous heat mass fish mortality was observed in the river’s upper reaches in Russia’s territory last summer. Experts from the two countries are working together to restore the fish populations.

Mass fish stocking of the Dnieper’s cross-border stretch will be held by Russia in the autumn, with experience in working together on shared waterways to be applied in the future.