**7. Inventory of wetlands and floodplain habitats**

In 1998 "Romanian Waters" National Company the main manager of the water resources from Romania has started the preparation at the request of the Ministry of Water Forest and Environment Protection the inventory of the wetland and floodplains at national level including the potential for restoration according with the particular case from Romania where the process of land restitution to the previous owners is in the second step of application.

Integrated Measurements for Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Prut Basin 137

(sqkm)

Wetlands conditon/usage

No. County Location River Surface

**Table 2.** The wetlands within the Prut catchment area

1 Iasi Dranceni Drinceni- 2.70 agriculture 2 Iasi Albita-Falciu Poganesti 24.3 agriculture 3 Vaslui Albita-Falciu Stanilesti 36.8 agriculture 4 Vaslui Albita-Falciu Banului lake 56.55 agriculture 5 Vaslui Albita-Falciu Berezeni 40.20 agriculture 6 Vaslui Albita-Falciu Falciu 28.70 agriculture 7 Vaslui Bata- Rinzesti Ranzesti 3.00 agriculture 8 Vaslui Urlati Elan 0.75 natural 9 Vaslui Gusitei Elan 2.30 natural 10 Vaslui Poste Elan Elan 0.75 natural 11 Vaslui Paicani Elan 1.25 natural 12 Vaslui Giurcani Elan 0.30 natural 13 Vaslui Murgani Elan 0.50 natural 14 Galati Galati - Vadoni Prut 75 natural 15 Galati Rogojani Horincea 1.50 natural 16 Galati Vladesti Prut 269 agriculture 17 Galati Bratesul de Sus Prut 58.01 agriculture 18 Galati Bratesul de Jos Prut 97.47 agriculture 19 Galati Badalani Prut and Danube 17.86 agriculture 20 Galati Prut Ostrov (Prut island) Prut and Danube 56.6 natural 21 Galati LowerPrut floodplain Prut 5,480.41 natural 22 Galati Vlascuta swamp Prut 41.8 natural

Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, sporadic deforestation, hunting, different types of poaching. The impact of fishing, hunting and

b. The Lower Prut river meadow. The vegetation of forest, pasture, floodplain and peat swamp, are characteristic for the vegetation type. Regarding the main habitats of the protected area, habitats of freshwater/wetlands/floodplain, herbal associations, lawns and bushes, forest, the Prut river on the Romanian territory are present (Figure 3).

poaching activities according to action time the protected area is sporadic.

In order to determine the wetland conservation potential in the Danube River Basin, an evaluation study of wetlands and floodplains areas was done by an international consortium under the UNDP/GEF Assistance.

Also, at the national level an inventory of the wetlands and floodplains was done including all existing natural wetlands or wetlands for which the initial situation was changed.

In both reports the Prut catchment area was presented with a large number of existing wetlands and also with a large restoration potential.

Out of about 200 wetlands recorded for whole Prut basin (many of them are less than 1 sqkm surface) a number of 19 wetlands were selected and discussed in the inception phase. This is included in the table 2. Some of these wetlands are still under the natural conditions (10) and the rest were modified to be used by agriculture [8].

It has to be mentioned that several wetlands which in present are in natural stage are included or will be included in the List of Protected Areas under the legislation preservation. In this regard the planning of wetlands and floodplains rehabilitation is underdevelopment and will depend by the finalization of the land restitution action. In the lower Prut basin within the Vaslui and Galati counties the following protected areas are to be mentioned (Table 3) [9].

Among the protected areas within Galati county, according to the criteria of habitat identification, three of them (**Prut Ostrov, Lower Prut river meadow and Vlascuta swamp**) have been indicated to include some wetlands as well (Figure 2) [10].

To this point bellow is presented a more detailed situation and characterization of them.

a. For the **Prut Ostrov** which is an eyot and has been included in the 4th category of protected areas by the County Council from 1994. The Prut Ostrov is located in the lower Danube river, near to the Prut river. As types of vegetation, the forest and specific wetland vegetation were identified.

Regarding the main habitats of the protected area, habitats of freshwater/wetlands and forest are present. The surface of main types and surface of habitats is described in table 4.

The fauna is represented by mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes and representatives of *Nevertebrata Fillum*.



consortium under the UNDP/GEF Assistance.

wetlands and also with a large restoration potential.

be mentioned (Table 3) [9].

table 4.

*Nevertebrata Fillum*.

wetland vegetation were identified.

(10) and the rest were modified to be used by agriculture [8].

have been indicated to include some wetlands as well (Figure 2) [10].

application.

**7. Inventory of wetlands and floodplain habitats** 

In 1998 "Romanian Waters" National Company the main manager of the water resources from Romania has started the preparation at the request of the Ministry of Water Forest and Environment Protection the inventory of the wetland and floodplains at national level including the potential for restoration according with the particular case from Romania where the process of land restitution to the previous owners is in the second step of

In order to determine the wetland conservation potential in the Danube River Basin, an evaluation study of wetlands and floodplains areas was done by an international

Also, at the national level an inventory of the wetlands and floodplains was done including

In both reports the Prut catchment area was presented with a large number of existing

Out of about 200 wetlands recorded for whole Prut basin (many of them are less than 1 sqkm surface) a number of 19 wetlands were selected and discussed in the inception phase. This is included in the table 2. Some of these wetlands are still under the natural conditions

It has to be mentioned that several wetlands which in present are in natural stage are included or will be included in the List of Protected Areas under the legislation preservation. In this regard the planning of wetlands and floodplains rehabilitation is underdevelopment and will depend by the finalization of the land restitution action. In the lower Prut basin within the Vaslui and Galati counties the following protected areas are to

Among the protected areas within Galati county, according to the criteria of habitat identification, three of them (**Prut Ostrov, Lower Prut river meadow and Vlascuta swamp**)

a. For the **Prut Ostrov** which is an eyot and has been included in the 4th category of protected areas by the County Council from 1994. The Prut Ostrov is located in the lower Danube river, near to the Prut river. As types of vegetation, the forest and specific

Regarding the main habitats of the protected area, habitats of freshwater/wetlands and forest are present. The surface of main types and surface of habitats is described in

The fauna is represented by mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes and representatives of

To this point bellow is presented a more detailed situation and characterization of them.

all existing natural wetlands or wetlands for which the initial situation was changed.

Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, sporadic deforestation, hunting, different types of poaching. The impact of fishing, hunting and poaching activities according to action time the protected area is sporadic.

b. The Lower Prut river meadow. The vegetation of forest, pasture, floodplain and peat swamp, are characteristic for the vegetation type. Regarding the main habitats of the protected area, habitats of freshwater/wetlands/floodplain, herbal associations, lawns and bushes, forest, the Prut river on the Romanian territory are present (Figure 3).

Integrated Measurements for Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Prut Basin 139

Vaslui county *No. Natural reservation Location (commune) Surface (ha)*  1 Fossil area Malusteni Malusteni 1,000 2 Fossile place Nisiparia Hulubat Vaslui 250 3 Hill of Burcel Miclesti 1,200 4 Tanacu – Coasta Rupturile Tanacu 600 5 Badeana forest Tutova 12,670 6 Harboanca forest Stefan cel Mare 4,310 7 Balteni forest Balteni 2,200 8 Hay meadow Glodeni Glodeni- Negrilesti 600 Galati county *No. Natural reservation Location (commune) Surface (ha)*  1 Sand dunes – Hanu Conachi Hanul Conachi 199.3 2 Garboavele forest Galati 220.4 3 Breana – Roscani forest Baneasa 78.3 4 Fossil place Tirighina/ Barbosi Galati 1.0 5 Fossil area rates Tecuci 1.5 6 Fundeanu forest Draguseni 110.7 7 Talasmani forest Beresti 20.0 8 Buciumeni forest Buciumeni, Brahesesti 71.2 9 Prut Ostrov Ghimia Prut 56.6 10 Potcoava swamp Branistea 49.0 11 Talabasca swamp Tudor Vladimirescu 130.0 12 Lacul fusilier Beresti Beresti 49.0 13 Lower Floodplain Prut Cavadinesti 5,480.41 14 Pochina swamp/lake Suceveni 74.8 15 Vlascuta swamp/lake Mascatani 41.8 16 Pogonesti forest Suceveni 33.5

Main types Surface (ha)

Forests 35.5 Total 56

Habitats of freshwater/Wetlands 20.5

The surface of main types and surface of habitats are described in the table 5 bellow:

Habitats of freshwater/Wetlands 25.5 Herbal associations/lawns and bushes 31.5 Forests 2,573.43 The Prut river on the Romanian territory 225 **Table 5.** The surface of main types and surface of habitats in The Lower Prut river meadow

Main types Surface (ha)

**Table 3.** The protected areas within Lower Prut river countries

**Table 4.** The surface of main types and surface of habitats in Ostrovul Prut

**Figure 2.** Natural Protected Areas in the Romanian Prut Basin


**Table 3.** The protected areas within Lower Prut river countries

138 Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in a Diverse World

**Figure 2.** Natural Protected Areas in the Romanian Prut Basin


**Table 4.** The surface of main types and surface of habitats in Ostrovul Prut

The surface of main types and surface of habitats are described in the table 5 bellow:


**Table 5.** The surface of main types and surface of habitats in The Lower Prut river meadow

The flora is specific floodplains and swamps being represented by *Salix alba, Populus alba, Rosa canina, Satix fragila, Eqtasetum limosum, Typha angustifolia, Nymphae alba, Sagitaria sagitifolia*, etc. The fauna is represented by species of birds, fish, reptiles, frogs, insects, mammals which are characteristic for wetlands biotopes.

Integrated Measurements for Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Prut Basin 141

Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, deforestation, hunting, different types of poaching. The impact of fishing, deforestation according to their action time on the protected area is periodical hunting and poaching activities have a

There have been recorded a number of activities with accidental character and which take place outside of the protected area and which have a negative impact on it (table 6 below):

Impact Source Pollutant Types of affected environmental factors

This protected area is affected by periodical floods especially during the springs. The natural reserve Lower Prut river meadow has been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1999, in the frame "Green Corridor Of the Lower Danube" which is coordinated by the Research & Design Institute "Danube Delta" and the Direction of Nature Conservation and Biological Diversity from the Romanian Environmental Ministry to be presented to the Romanian Academy and County Council in order to be official declared. In

The vegetation of this protected area is typically for wetlands (100%).The flora is represented by *Typha angustifolia, Nymphae alba*, *Sagitaria sagitifolia*, *etc.* The fauna, is characteristically for shallow swamp being made up of invertebrates, frogs, mollusks, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals communities. Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, hunting, different types of poaching have a sporadic character. There have been recorded a number of activities with accidental character and which take

place outside of the protected area and have a negative impact on it (table 7 below).

Crops culture Fertilizers Soils, groundwater

Mesteacanis village Wastes Water, soils **Table 7.** Types of affected environmental factors in Vlăşcuţa swamp area

**8. The special avifaunistic protected area** 

down the Prut River from annual floods.

**8.1. Stânca-Costeşti lake** 

Impact Source Pollutant Types of affected environmental factors

The Stânca-Costeşti Dam and hydropower station was built between 1974–1978 years, as a Romanian-Russian common project and is located between Costeşti (Moldova) and Stânca (Romania) (Figure 4). The main goal of building this power station was to protect villages

**Table 6.** Types of affected environmental factors in The Lower Prut river meadow area

Fish ponds Wastes Water, soils Mata/Radeanau, Sovarca Wastes Water Vladesti, Brates nutrients Water

present is protected according to Annexe 1 of Law no 5/2000.

sporadically time action.

**c. Vlăşcuţa swamp** 

**Figure 3.** Lower Meadow of Prut River Natural Reserve

The Lower Prut river meadow represents an excellent habitat for more than 230 birds species/nesting, feeding and halt places, many of birds being protected by the international conventions. Fish species are represented by freshwater species, such a*s Misgurnus fosilis. Titca tica, Esox lucius, Cyprinu carpio, Silurus glanis,*etc. The mammals are presented in a small number of species *Ondrata yibethica*, *Vulpes vulpes*.

Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, deforestation, hunting, different types of poaching. The impact of fishing, deforestation according to their action time on the protected area is periodical hunting and poaching activities have a sporadically time action.

There have been recorded a number of activities with accidental character and which take place outside of the protected area and which have a negative impact on it (table 6 below):


**Table 6.** Types of affected environmental factors in The Lower Prut river meadow area

This protected area is affected by periodical floods especially during the springs. The natural reserve Lower Prut river meadow has been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1999, in the frame "Green Corridor Of the Lower Danube" which is coordinated by the Research & Design Institute "Danube Delta" and the Direction of Nature Conservation and Biological Diversity from the Romanian Environmental Ministry to be presented to the Romanian Academy and County Council in order to be official declared. In present is protected according to Annexe 1 of Law no 5/2000.

#### **c. Vlăşcuţa swamp**

140 Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in a Diverse World

mammals which are characteristic for wetlands biotopes.

**Figure 3.** Lower Meadow of Prut River Natural Reserve

number of species *Ondrata yibethica*, *Vulpes vulpes*.

The Lower Prut river meadow represents an excellent habitat for more than 230 birds species/nesting, feeding and halt places, many of birds being protected by the international conventions. Fish species are represented by freshwater species, such a*s Misgurnus fosilis. Titca tica, Esox lucius, Cyprinu carpio, Silurus glanis,*etc. The mammals are presented in a small

The flora is specific floodplains and swamps being represented by *Salix alba, Populus alba, Rosa canina, Satix fragila, Eqtasetum limosum, Typha angustifolia, Nymphae alba, Sagitaria sagitifolia*, etc. The fauna is represented by species of birds, fish, reptiles, frogs, insects,

> The vegetation of this protected area is typically for wetlands (100%).The flora is represented by *Typha angustifolia, Nymphae alba*, *Sagitaria sagitifolia*, *etc.* The fauna, is characteristically for shallow swamp being made up of invertebrates, frogs, mollusks, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals communities. Regarding the activities which occur within this protected area fishing, hunting, different types of poaching have a sporadic character. There have been recorded a number of activities with accidental character and which take place outside of the protected area and have a negative impact on it (table 7 below).


**Table 7.** Types of affected environmental factors in Vlăşcuţa swamp area

## **8. The special avifaunistic protected area**

#### **8.1. Stânca-Costeşti lake**

The Stânca-Costeşti Dam and hydropower station was built between 1974–1978 years, as a Romanian-Russian common project and is located between Costeşti (Moldova) and Stânca (Romania) (Figure 4). The main goal of building this power station was to protect villages down the Prut River from annual floods.

Integrated Measurements for Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Prut Basin 143

The development of industrial and agricultural activities in the whole catchment area of Prut have led to increased pollution by nutrients, organic substances, detergents, pesticides, heavy metals etc. All these factors adversely affected the water quality of the Prut river and its tributaries, and of the Lower Danube river and therefore have a direct impact upon the

The formation of the Stânca-Costeşti accumulation lake determined important changes of

The main lake has lost the rheophil species (barbell, chub or wheatear), thus developing

The special avifaunistic protection area of Stânca-Costeşti lake stretches on 2,950 ha and comprises partially the localities of Mitoc, Liveni, Manoleasa, Manoleasa-Prut, Sadoveni,

The special avifaunistic protection area of Stânca-Costeşti lake has the endorsement of

The pressure of economic development from the last 50 years in the area of Prut river, the protection measures against floods by building dams in the major river bed and the building of the hydrotechnical knot Stânca-Costeşti have been the causes of the transformation of the typical habitats in the humid areas at the border of Prut river, thus of the flood area favouring the breeding of fish and birds, endangering the ecological integrity of the area

The reduction in quantity and in quality of the aquatic fauna has been noticed, and this situation cannot be justified by pollution, because Prut river has a good status from a physical and chemical point of view, the concentrations not exceeding the standards set

At the moment, Prut river is facing a reduction of the fish quantities, according to the records made in 1947 when there were 37 species of fish compared to the 26 found

Black Sea.

the ichthyofauna of the area.

species with a mixed profile.

C.M.N. no. B 939/07.06.2004.

eco-system complex (Figure 5).

forth by Directive 98/83/EC.

nowadays [11].

Ripiceni, and Stânca from Botoşani county.

**Figure 5.** Stanca-Costesti lake (general view from Romanian bank)

**Figure 4.** The special avifaunistic protected area - Stânca-Costeşti lake

The formation of the Stânca-Costeşti reservoir determined important changes of the ichthyofauna of the area. The main lake has lost the rheophil species (barbell, chub or wheatear), thus developing species with a mixed profile.

In Romanian section, a lot of hydrotechnical projects have been executed (damming, irrigation and draining canals etc.) on the Lower Prut, mainly on the territory of Galati county, downstream of Targu Bujor city. All these hydraulic works have affected the biodiversity of the aquatic and riverbank ecosystems, have restrained the natural habitats, have influenced the flow patterns of the river, have modified the local climate and have influenced the life of the local population.

The development of industrial and agricultural activities in the whole catchment area of Prut have led to increased pollution by nutrients, organic substances, detergents, pesticides, heavy metals etc. All these factors adversely affected the water quality of the Prut river and its tributaries, and of the Lower Danube river and therefore have a direct impact upon the Black Sea.

142 Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in a Diverse World

**Figure 4.** The special avifaunistic protected area - Stânca-Costeşti lake

wheatear), thus developing species with a mixed profile.

influenced the life of the local population.

The formation of the Stânca-Costeşti reservoir determined important changes of the ichthyofauna of the area. The main lake has lost the rheophil species (barbell, chub or

In Romanian section, a lot of hydrotechnical projects have been executed (damming, irrigation and draining canals etc.) on the Lower Prut, mainly on the territory of Galati county, downstream of Targu Bujor city. All these hydraulic works have affected the biodiversity of the aquatic and riverbank ecosystems, have restrained the natural habitats, have influenced the flow patterns of the river, have modified the local climate and have The formation of the Stânca-Costeşti accumulation lake determined important changes of the ichthyofauna of the area.

The main lake has lost the rheophil species (barbell, chub or wheatear), thus developing species with a mixed profile.

The special avifaunistic protection area of Stânca-Costeşti lake stretches on 2,950 ha and comprises partially the localities of Mitoc, Liveni, Manoleasa, Manoleasa-Prut, Sadoveni, Ripiceni, and Stânca from Botoşani county.

The special avifaunistic protection area of Stânca-Costeşti lake has the endorsement of C.M.N. no. B 939/07.06.2004.

The pressure of economic development from the last 50 years in the area of Prut river, the protection measures against floods by building dams in the major river bed and the building of the hydrotechnical knot Stânca-Costeşti have been the causes of the transformation of the typical habitats in the humid areas at the border of Prut river, thus of the flood area favouring the breeding of fish and birds, endangering the ecological integrity of the area eco-system complex (Figure 5).

**Figure 5.** Stanca-Costesti lake (general view from Romanian bank)

The reduction in quantity and in quality of the aquatic fauna has been noticed, and this situation cannot be justified by pollution, because Prut river has a good status from a physical and chemical point of view, the concentrations not exceeding the standards set forth by Directive 98/83/EC.

At the moment, Prut river is facing a reduction of the fish quantities, according to the records made in 1947 when there were 37 species of fish compared to the 26 found nowadays [11].

The birds, more than any group of vertebrates, have a large living surface in the area presented in terms of the number of species as well as the number of individuals. The largest part of the birds found in the area are migrating species (44 species) representing international natural resources; among these, we mention the white stork, the bee-eater, the little egret, great crested grebe etc.

Integrated Measurements for Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Prut Basin 145

unproductive (approx. 160 ha). This aquatic complex is located on the right bank of Prut river, between km 113/landmark 1255 and 121 + 400 m/landmark 1252, in the junction area with Elan river, landmark 1253, on the territory of the commune of Cavadineşti – the village of Vădeni. In a natural status, at the maximum level of free floodwaters, the surface of the ponds exceeded 568 ha. The fishing fittings (568 ha) and the agricultural ones (78 ha) were

Declaring the LOWER MEADOW OF THE INFERIOR PRUT RIVER NATURAL PARK in the southern part of Prut hydrographical basin is the result of the interaction between

This protected area was created as a distinct area with a significant landscape value and with a great biological diversity where, through the maintenance of a harmonious interaction of man with nature and through the protection of the diversity of habitats and landscape, the traditional use of lands and some activities by the local population are

In addition, the public is offered recreational activities and tourism and may unfold

The north group (Maţa pond, at the border of Vaslui county) made of two ponds (135 ha representing the low area of the pond and 57 ha – the high area of the pond) and the south

Regarding Rădeanu pond, from the south-western part of Elan stream (inferior course), this presents features of integral natural area within which the water alternates with the reed,

Practically, because of the inadequate exploitation of numerous hydrotechnical works, especially because of the lack of financial resources, at the moment there are 148 ha of

The area of the Natural Park fits the type of habitat formed of: Natural eutrophic lakes with a *Magnopotamion* or *Hydrocharition*-type vegetation (Natura 2000 code of habitats: 3150) and lakes or dirty grey to blue – green water ponds, more or less turbid, especially rich in basic substances (pH usually higher than 7), many freely floating *Hydrocharition* communities being present at the surface or, in case of the deep systems and open water surfaces, the *Hydrocharition* communities are associated to the submersed vegetation formed of large

backwater, swampy surface, where the colonies of birds are present all year round.

The proposed surface as a special avifaunistic protection area is of 194 hectares.

built in the 1980. The land was divided in two separate groups by Elan river [13].

**9. The natural park from the southern sector of Prut basin** 

human activities and nature over time.

scientific, educational and cultural activities in the area.

group (Rădeanu pond: 342 ha of water + 78 ha of agricultural surface).

encouraged (Figure 6-7).

**9.1. Ecological considerations** 

fishing ponds still functional (Figure 8).

cormophytes (*Magnopotamion*) (Figure 9).

The implementation of some efficient measures for the protection of these populations and their habitats is necessary in order to comply with conventions and international agreements for the protection of wild flora and fauna, ratified by Romania. 31 sedentary species and 18 passing species are still living in this area.

From the total number of the species, 22 represent community interest, 27 species whose preservation needs the designation of avifaunistic protection areas and 39 species found under strict protection, according to Directive 79/409/EEC on the preservation of wild birds.

The project implementation for the declaration of the Stânca-Costeşti lake area as special avifaunistic protected area shall aim to preserve and restore the viable populations of birds specific to the humid climates, according to the stipulations of the Convention on the humid areas of international importance, especially as a habitat of aquatic birds, concluded at Ramsar in 1971 and ratified by Romania through law no. 5/1991.

In this context, the preservation of humid areas includes an important cross-border component, in the sense of the collaboration and adoption of a common and unitary strategy regarding the integrated administration and the management of the humid areas, the great economic, natural, scientific and recreational value [12].

Conferring in the future the official status of "cross-border protected site" to this area shall allow the establishment of restrictive measures for the protection and the preservation of biodiversity. Moreover, it shall encourage the preservation of the traditional practices of sustainable revaluation of the natural resources and the preservation of the social and cultural values of the river communities.

The European Union promotes a clear policy of cross-border collaboration for saving and perpetuating the natural and cultural heritage, supporting the interstate collaboration initiatives, in order to preserve the natural eco-systems, whose borders do not depend on the political or administrative ones.

#### **8.2. The Maţa – Rădeanu complex of lakes**

The Maţa – Rădeanu complex of lakes and ponds from the Lower Meadow of Prut River reservation (position 2.414 from appendix I of Law 5/2000) is an area that defines the establishment in the southern part of Prut basin of a special protection unit such as a Natural Park, as part of the *Green Corridor* of the Danube.

The complex of lakes and ponds in the north part of the Natural Park called Lower Meadow of the Inferior Prut River is developing through the fittings set on a surface exceeding 640 hectares. The initial usage category: pond (360 ha), meadow (71 ha), swamp (50 ha), unproductive (approx. 160 ha). This aquatic complex is located on the right bank of Prut river, between km 113/landmark 1255 and 121 + 400 m/landmark 1252, in the junction area with Elan river, landmark 1253, on the territory of the commune of Cavadineşti – the village of Vădeni. In a natural status, at the maximum level of free floodwaters, the surface of the ponds exceeded 568 ha. The fishing fittings (568 ha) and the agricultural ones (78 ha) were built in the 1980. The land was divided in two separate groups by Elan river [13].
