Fish Population in the Belčišta Wetland – Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management

Abstract

Abstract Belčišta wetland is the largest wetland habitat in R. of North Macedonia, located 20 km distance from Ohrid Lake and it is a relict remnant of the ancient Desaret Lake, which existed in this area since the Pliocene. This region hosts an endemic freshwater species of the Balcan Penninsula, Pelasgus minutus, which is threatened by habitat loss. There are intentions of artificial introduction of salmonid fishes in Belčišta wetland to develop the recreative fishery and tourism in this area. Introduction and spread of salmonids is a great risk factor to the survival of the ohrid minnows (Pelasgus minutus).