Description
The project aims at conservation of the native trout in Rila Mountain that has suffered from poaching, overfishing and fish stocking with alien trout species. The project aims at conserving the native trout by raising public awareness and involving NGOs in sustainable use policy-making. First, 65 blood samples will be taken from trout at 10 places to analyze the breed purity. A trout location map, a list of the appropriate habitats and a list of trout farms providing native trout stocking will be prepared. Second, proposal for trout conservation policies will be prepared including fighting poaching, overfishing and stocking with alien trout. Third, a forum to discuss river biodiversity will be held. Fourth, volunteers will take part in the stocking of a river with 1000 native trout. Finally, resources and opportunities to conserve native trout will be promoted. The project will benefit the local communities, NGOs, authorities and businesses.
Summary of project results
The project aimed at conservation of the native trout in Rila Mountain that has suffered from poaching, overfishing and fish stocking with alien trout species. The protection of the species and its habitats made it necessary to join the available resources and the efforts of various groups of stakeholders and competent authorities: fishermen and local communities, local authorities, academic and research circles, Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW), Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA), NGOs, Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAG), etc. Good impact was achieved with regard to the target groups and the intersectoral partnerships created. Intersectoral interaction resulted in the adoption of adequate actions that might help the brown trout to survive. In the Park Rila's Management Plan measures aiming to protect the habitats of the brown trout and the species itself were included. The catch and release method was promoted and a mechanism for restocking with brown trout was set up and promoted. The public awareness and commitment to the issue of extinction of the brown trout was raised. The network of volunteers, supporters, organizations and institutions that was set up is active at present to send alerts about irregularities related to mini-water power plants (the main obstacle for the reproduction of the brown trout and the maintenance of stable population). The successful planning of the measures for protection of the brown trout in the Management Plan of Rila Park is a long-term action as the Plan is mandatory and lays down a regime for monitoring and control over fishing and protection of the habitats of the trout.
Summary of bilateral results