Massive layoffs due to Covid-19 may put even more pressure on this, the most endangered species on the planet, as people search for alternative income sources.
Poachers are not afraid of viruses. Fortunately, the Ukrainian Izmail Frontier Detachment, the Bulgarian Border Police and the Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA) are still very active during this most important period of #sturgeon migration and spawning in the Danube.
More than 100 karmaci, long lines with hundreds of hooks, have already been seized in Bulgaria this year. On March 19 alone, more than 40 karmaci were seized near the Bulgarian town of Kozlodui. A 100 kg #Beluga sturgeon was found alive and hooked on one of them. Given the timing and the sturgeon’s body shape (size), he probably spawned within the last few days. The inspectors were able to safely return the sturgeon to the river. WWF-Bulgaria experts from the Life for Danube Sturgeons Project could only be on the scene virtually.
Izmail Frontier Detachment seized a 2 m, 150 kg pregnant Beluga sturgeon from two fishermen near the town of Vilkovo. The sturgeon was successfully released back into the Danube, and criminal proceedings were initiated against the fishermen.
Massive layoffs due to Covid-19 may put even more pressure on this, the most endangered species on the planet, as people search for alternative income sources. Protecting sturgeon and their habitats is crucial if we are to achieve the New Deal for Nature and People’s goal of zero biodiversity and habitat loss by 2030.
