European Commission Fish / 2006 / 09

Assessment of the status, development and diversification of fisheries-dependent communities

DANUBE DELTA CASE STUDY REPORT, ROMANIA

June 2010

Danube Delta Romania

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Table of Contents

Glossary of Acronyms 4 1. Introduction 1

1.1 General description of the location 1 1.2 Location 1 1.3 Key geographical characteristics of the community 2

2. Demographic Aspects 5 2.1 Population and population age structure 6 2.2 Ethnicity and migration 11

3. Economic Aspects 13 3.1 Importance of economic activities 13 3.2 Employment and unemployment 18 3.3 Infrastructure 24 3.3.1. Transport and access infrastructure 24 3.3.2. Utilities and general infrastructure 26 3.3.3. School infrastructure 27 3.4 Local development plans 30

The key priorities of the NSP 2007 – 2013: 31 4. Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector 37

4.1 Details of the local fishing fleets 37 4.2 Fish stock status 38 4.3 Fisheries infrastructure 42 4.4 Details of the local catching sub-sector 45 4.5 Details of the local processing and marketing sub-sector 51 4.6 Details of the local aquaculture sector 54 4.7 Details of the local ancillary sub-sector 57

5. Governance 58 5.1 Key local institutions 58 5.2 Public intervention 61

6. Stakeholder Analysis 67 7. Qualitative Interpretation and Analysis 71

7.1 Key events and drivers of change 71 7.2 Adaptation 75 7.3 Future development of the community 78 7.4 The role of public intervention 79

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Table of Tables

Table 1: Villages and town of Danube Delta area covered by the study ...................................................... 5

Table 2: Fleet segment of the Danube Delta .............................................................................................. 38

Table 3: Stock status for fish species ......................................................................................................... 39

Table 4: Main gears used for commercial fishing ....................................................................................... 48

Table 5: Fish processing units .................................................................................................................... 52

Table 6: Current status of aquaculture sites ............................................................................................... 57

Table 7: Main fishermen organizations ....................................................................................................... 58

Table 8: Public intervention assessment .................................................................................................... 62

Table 9: Stakeholder analysis ..................................................................................................................... 67

Table of Figures

Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta ...................................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2: Total population over time ............................................................................................................. 7

Figure 3: Inhabitants by locality .................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 4: Population structure by age group ................................................................................................. 9

Figure 5: Population structure by gender ...................................................................................................... 9

Figure 6: Population structure by environment ........................................................................................... 10

Figure 7: Ethnicity in Danube Delta ............................................................................................................ 11

Figure 8: Migration of the population .......................................................................................................... 12

Figure 9: Number of permits for fishing issued in the Danube Delta .......................................................... 15

Figure 10: Trends in key economic activities by no. of companies, 2005 to 2009 ..................................... 16

Figure 11: Distribution of companies by number, by main economic activity in Danube Delta, 2008 ........ 17

Figure 12: Distribution by turnover (EUR) for main economic sectors in Danube Delta, 2008 .................. 17

Figure 13: Contribution of sectors to total employment in 2008 ................................................................. 19

Figure 14: The employment and unemployment rate, 2002 to 2009 .......................................................... 20

Figure 15: Employment by key economic sector, 2004 to 2008 ................................................................. 21

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Figure 16: Number of economic agents by locality, 2005-2009 .................................................................. 22

Figure 17: Unemployed people by locality, 2002 to 2009 ........................................................................... 23

Figure 18: Education level of labour force in commercial fishing and aquaculture ..................................... 29

Figure 19: Location of Danube Delta harbours ........................................................................................... 42

Figure 20: Volume of fish by group species ................................................................................................ 45

Figure 21: Trends in volume landings (tonnes) ........................................................................................... 46

Figure 22: Trends in value landings ............................................................................................................ 47

Figure 23: Trends in price of species .......................................................................................................... 48

Figure 24: Employment dynamics in commercial fishing sub-sector (structure by age group of labour force) ........................................................................................................................................................... 50

Figure 25: Volumes and value from aquaculture ........................................................................................ 55

Figure 26: Employment dynamics in aquaculture sub-sector and structure by age group of the employees in aquaculture sub-sector ............................................................................................................................ 56

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Glossary of Acronyms

DD Danube Delta

DDBRA Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration

EU European Union

FLAG Fishery Local Action Group

NACE Nomenclature statistique des activités économiques dans la Communauté européenne (Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community)

NAFA National Authority for Fishery and Aquaculture

NFSFR National Federation of Sport Fishing in Romania

NGO Non-governmental organization

NUTS Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics

NSP National Strategic Plan for Fisheries

Phare CBC Pologne Hongarie a la Reconstruction des Economies Cross-Border Cooperation (Pologne Hongarie Assistance à la Reconstruction des Economies Cross-Border Cooperation)

SAPARD Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development

SOP Sectoral Operational Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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1. Introduction

1.1 General description of the location

The Danube Delta is a unique area as it combines important natural heritage characteristics of an ecosystem with a rich diversity of wetland habitats with a community of 13,694 people that is heavily dependent on fisheries. The area is the largest continuous marshland and the second largest and best preserved of European deltas. The local population has depended on small-scale, low-intensity use of the natural resources, fairly well integrated with the natural heritage: fishing (1,219 boats are registered in 2009), hunting, cattle grazing, subsistence farming and beekeeping, and viticulture supplemented by outside incomes. Most of the younger generation has left the Delta and old fishing villages of reed huts have been replaced by concrete buildings although individual fishing huts are retained. The constantly developing landscape of the delta is a labyrinth of waterways and land, with numerous freshwater lakes connected by narrow channels, huge expanses of aquatic vegetation and flooded islets (plaur). The delta has three distinct zones: the fluvial zone in the upper part of the delta, characterized by sandy levees, and small, densely vegetated lakes; the transitional zone with less sedimentation and numerous larger lakes; and the marine zone dominated by sand-dune barrier beach complexes (Ramsar, 19941

). The Razelm-Sinoie complex to the south consists of several large brackish lagoons separated from the sea by a sandbar. The site is on a major bird migration route and is internationally significant for birds, both breeding and migratory, including for a number of globally threatened species. It is also a vitally important buffer between the hydrographical basin of the River Danube and the Black Sea.

Thus, the DD is a challenge for any developers that must conserve, and at the same time develop in a sustainable manner, the area by offering employment opportunities for the local community.

1.2 Location

The Danube Delta is positioned in Eastern Europe, being the largest wetland in Europe, protected under three international conventions: 1990 – UNESCO “Man and Biosphere Program”, 1990 - the List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and 1991 - RAMSAR Convention. The Danube Delta is located in South-Eastern Romania, being a part of the NUTS II – South-East Development Region. The total area of the region is 4,178 km2, of which 3,446 km² are in Romania, and the rest in Ukraine. The community the study refers to is located in the NUTS III - Tulcea County, and covers 12 villages and one town. The geographic position of the Danube Delta is defined by the following coordinates: 28º 10’ 50’’ (Cotul Pisicii), 29º 42’ 45’’ (Sulina) east longitude and 45º 27’ (Chilia branch, km 43), 44º 47’ 25’’ north latitude. The town of Tulcea is 1 Ramsar Sites Database (1994). A Directory of Wetlands of International Importance. Romania

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the nearest administrative centre, one of its incorporated villages being considered part of the Danube Delta (village of Tudor Vladimirescu).

Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta

1.3 Key geographical characteristics of the community

The Danube Delta was declared a biosphere reserve in 1990, while the Romanian Government confirmed it by Law no. 82/1993. The biosphere reserve also includes other territories such as the maritime Danube, the Danube flood plain, Razelm – Sinoe lagoon complex, the Black Sea coast, and the coastal marine waters up to 20 m depth. The study refers solely to the Danube Delta. The Romanian geographic literature referring to the Danube Delta2

indicates the area between the first bifurcation of the Danube River (Ceatalul Chiliei) and the area bordered by the Black Sea on the East, the Chilia Branch on the North, and Sfântu Gheorghe Branch on the South.

Out of the total Danube Delta area, more than half (312,440 hectares) represents the natural aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems included in the list of universal heritage value areas

2 Gâştescu Petre, Ştiucă Romulus, “Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published under Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Geography Institute of Romanian Academy and Danube Delta Technologic Information Center, page 21, CD Press Publishing, Bucharest, 2008

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(UNESCO). The other areas include dammed territories for fishing, agriculture and forestry (app. 80,000 hectares), and private or public properties located in the inhabited territories (app. 29,000 ha). The marine buffer zone is of 103,000 ha. The Danube Delta is the lowest and newest region of plains, of which 21% is below the sea level. The highest points are the two forested dunes Letea (13m above sea level) and Caraorman (8m). The average height above sea level is just 0.52 m. Positioned near the Black Sea, the Danube Delta has three external climatic influences: continental, marine and the advection of air. The main climatic values are:

• Cloudiness: < 5% (the lowest in the country); • Clear sky period: 66 days (Tulcea) – 80,1 days (Sfântu Gheorghe) • Number of cloudy days: 99 days (Tulcea and Jurilovca) - 90 days (Sfântu Gheorghe) • Solar radiation: 130-135 kcal/cm2 (largest in the country) • Annual average temperature: 11-11,40C. In winter it may vary a little between -10 and

1,50C and in the summer the temperature is around 210C; • Average annual precipitation: 350-450 mm / year.

The thermal regime (air temperature) has moderate levels with a slight increase from west to east. The rainfall range is between 350-450 mm and rain falls unevenly during the year. The earliest vestiges found in the Danube Delta or its mainland proximity dates back to the Neolithic age and Iron Age3

3 In the current document we refer to Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration as DDBRA

. Fortified settlements, proof of cultural and economic activities, as well as abundant artifacts show an area of intense human presence, a population called Getae by Greeks and Dacians by Romans. One of the first written references to the Danube Delta was related to the Persian fleet entrance into this region, after stopping at Histria (515-513 b.C.). The descriptions indicate that the delta was a space of sandbanks with seven branches and islands. During the turbulence of the post-Roman and Byzantine period, mass movements of people took place through the delta region and distinctive, organized society ceased. The situation gradually improved so that by the 10th Century accounts of the fishing and commercial activities at the ten ports of Sulina, Periprava and Vicina (present location unknown, but it is regarded as the first town of the future Romania) were registered. In the XV Century, the Romanian states lost the Danube Delta as well as Dobrogea, to the Ottoman Empire, thus until the XIX-lea century the Danube Delta was a “terra incognito”. The main elements that shaped the local communities in the delta area are the exchange activities in the Black Sea, through the confluence of the three branches. This element allowed early trade activities involving over time civilizations and major European powers. The high fertility of the land (more than 60% of agriculture is located in Sfântu Gheorghe, Crişan and Sulina) has influenced two traditional activities: fishing and livestock. The adverse conditions of the DD explain the low values of certain demographic indicators like: the decline in terms of number of inhabitants, declining trend, and low population density.

Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, page 114-119, Tulcea, September 2005

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Currently, thirteen localities incorporating one town and 28 hamlets/villages are scattered in this extended area, all of them concentrated along the Danube branches, as seen in Figure 1. The available land surface is reduced, as most of the Danube Delta territory is flooded every year. With the exception of two localities directly exposed to the Black Sea, the rest are located inside the Delta, in sheltered locations. Distances to the main administrative capital of Tulcea Town varies between 120 kilometers and 10-14 kilometers. All localities are to be reached mainly by water. Regular public transportation by boat is available, thus all localities have their own small harbors or landing facilities.

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2. Demographic Aspects

The community the study refers to is located in the NUTS III area of Tulcea County, and covers 12 villages and one town4

, as follows:

Table 1: Villages and town of Danube Delta area covered by the study

Number Locality Villages in the Danube

Delta NUTS Area

1. Tulcea Tudor Vladimirescu V 2. Sulina Sulina V 3. Ceatalchioi Ceatalchioi V 4. Plauru V 5. Salceni V 6. Patlageanca V 7. Chilia Veche Chilia Veche V 8. Câşliţa V 9. Tatanir V 10. Ostrovu Tătaru V 11. Pardina Pardina V 12. C.A. Rosetti C.A. Rosetti V 13. Sfiştofca V 14. Letea V 15. Cardon V 16. Periprava V 17. Crişan Crişan V 18. Mila 23 V 19. Caraorman V 20. Maliuc Maliuc V 21. Partizani V 22. Gorgova V 23. Vulturu V 24. Ilganii de Sus V 25. Beştepe Bălţenii de Jos V 26. Mahmudia Mahmudia V 27. Nufăru Ilganii de Jos V 28. Murighiol Uzlina V 29. Sfântu Gheorghe Sfântu Gheorghe V

The demographic analysis covers all 12 villages and one town. Although only some of the constitutive hamlets of Murighiol, Nufăru, Mahmudia and Beştepe are considered to be in the 4 Source: DDBRA - Direction for Environmental Protection, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, page 15-35, Tulcea, September 2005

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Danube Delta, all village population has been taken in consideration in order to follow the current statistics and evaluate properly the trends. Thus, the extended population is of 23,312 inhabitants, while the Danube Delta population of the 28 localities and one town above mentioned is of 13,694 inhabitants, as per July 2009.

2.1 Population and population age structure

In 2009, the communities in the Danube Delta consisted in 13,694 inhabitants with a density of 4 inhabitants/km2. The residents have their origin in 17 different ethnic groups that coexist in this area for centuries, in terms of understanding and good communication. This population is concentrated in 28 hamlets/villages organized in 12 localities and 1 town, located either entirely in this area - CA Rosetti, Ceatalchioi, Chilia Veche, Crişan, Maliuc, Pardina, Sfântu Gheorghe, and Sulina city, or partially: Tudor Vladimirescu (Tulcea), Nufăru, Beştepe, Mahmudia, and Murighiol5

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Over time, the Danube Delta population has experienced fluctuations linked to economic developments. During the period 1992-2002, the number of inhabitants decreased by over 3,500 people, with an annual average decline of 2.5%, even though temporarily, in certain years, the number increased. These increases were caused by inhabitants returning to rural Delta areas due to restructuring activities in industries located in CA Rosetti (3.49%), Pardina (3.38%), Ceatalchioi (1.61%). In other localities the decreasing trend was maintained: Sfântu Gheorghe (-3.3%), and Maliuc (-1.5%). After 2002, based on the last census data collected6

in 2002, the population of Danube Delta has shown a steady decrease, similar to the average value and trend at national level. The average rate of annual decrease in population is of 5.01%, from 2002 to 2006, while in the last two years the number of people living in the area recorded large fluctuations. In 2006-2008 young people returned in the delta due to rural tourism development, a fact that determined a slight increase in the population. For 2009, the large decline is due to the labor migration to Tulcea or other areas outside the delta area, mostly industrialized areas, which offer more employment opportunities.

5 The statistics of the Romanian National Institute of Statistics refer to the total population of all 13 localities, even though there are territories included entirely or partially in the Danube Delta. Due to this fact, the structure of population by age group is analyzed based on statistics provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. However, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration provided data on the total population in the Danube Delta and does not record other type of data. 6 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 2: Total population over time7

As the Danube Delta includes large areas of lakes, streams, canals, swamps, and unfavorable areas for settlements, population density is low: 4 inhabitants/km2 (2008 data). The isolation of villages, the small number of people and the small dry land area contribute to preserving a small number of inhabitants and a low density. Taking into account the structure of the population by locality, the overall analysis show that some communities have a reduced number of population, under 54 inhabitants – villages from Chilia Veche (Tatanir, Caslita), while in Murighiol (Uzlina) has 6 inhabitants and Ostrovu-Tataru no inhabitants. Thus, regarding the demography in Danube Delta, statistics indicate regressive dynamics in most of the localities. An exception is Pardina, where the total population has increased due to the intensive development of agriculture, which attracted a labor force from poorer areas (Eastern Romania) or local areas with unemployed people (Sulina). As a general remark, the migration from rural to urban areas (Tulcea) led to the population decrease in the Delta. Many of those who left were young people, thus with a direct impact on the natural population growth. Alongside the resident households, there are many holiday houses, temporarily used in summer-time. The number of seasonal population, including visitors, is estimated to 400-600 persons, by Tulcea County Council.

7 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 3: Inhabitants by locality8

In terms of population structure by age groups, the overall analysis outlines an ageing population in 36.4% of the Delta’s localities, mostly located in isolated areas and at long distances from the main water transport channels, such as: Ceatalchioi and C.A. Rosetti, Murighiol and Nufăru, Chilia Veche, Crişan and Sfântu Gheorghe. The ageing population and the low natural population growth rate over time are reflected in the low available labor force in the area. Nevertheless, the population in the Danube Delta is still active, specializing in the main economic activities developed in the delta area. However, there is still a relatively low share of elderly population due to the lower life expectancy rate and to migratory movement that occurred some 20-25 years ago in the area. The lower number of young people (0-18) and older people (>60) compared with adults generated a decrease in natural growth. Compared with the national average, where the number of dependents9

is 642, the actual figure in the Danube Delta is 686.

8 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010 9 The dependency ratio (by age) is a ratio expressed in percentage or absolute values between the population of young age and old age population, on one hand, and adult-age population on the other hand. The number of dependents refers to the number of unemployed people depending on the employed population.

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Figure 4: Population structure by age group10

Regarding the structure of population by sex and environment, women represent over 55% of the population. Thus, reconsideration of and strengthening of the socio-economic role of women requires the promotion of a policy based on equal opportunities and elimination of the discrimination of the female population, which in many cases represents the majority of the total population. Women can be an important component of the labor force, but unfortunately they are underused. As an example, only 10 women are officially employed in aquaculture and commercial fishing sector.

Figure 5: Population structure by gender11

10 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010 11 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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The population in the delta is mostly concentrated in rural areas (67%), compared to urban areas (33%). Sulina is the only town, with a population of 4,527 inhabitants (as per 2008).

Figure 6: Population structure by environment12

Fluctuations in birth and death rates have impacted on the natural growth rate, and resulted in negative values since 1980, including 2002. The average annual increase per 1,000 inhabitants shows a downward trend between the census exercises in 1977, 1992 and 2002, namely an annual average decrease of 9%. The death rate presents values which generally exceed the average of the country, being generated by the large share of elderly population. This condition is characteristic to rural settlements in the Delta, particularly those located in areas with difficult access, where mortality was with 11.2% higher in 2002 than in 1992. In conclusion, the population of the Danube Delta is characterized by the following trends:

• An aging population, with a total decrease of 6% in 2008 compared to 1999, similar to the national level;

• A larger share of adult people (7,327 inhabitants) compared to young people (5,215 inhabitants);

• The population is concentrated mostly in rural areas (67%); • Migratory movements have been recorded from rural areas to areas surrounding urban

centers such as Tulcea, Galati or Constanta.

12 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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2.2 Ethnicity and migration

According to the 2002 census, the main feature of the ethnic composition of the Delta is homogeneity in particular communities but with a wide range of different ethnic groups and therefore heterogeneity. Along with Romanians, which represent the majority (77.4%), the ethnics with the largest share are Russian-Lipovans (16.95%), Ukrainians (3.52%), Greeks (0.74%) and Roma people (0.81%). The statistics indicate that there are only 4 villages with entirely Romanian population (100%), namely C.A. Rosetti, Nufăru, Ceatalchioi and Chilia Veche. At the same time, another 10 villages have a predominantly Romanian population of 85%: Tudor Vladimirescu, Ceatalchioi, Maliuc. Also, there are villages where the population is mostly of Russian-Lipovans: C.A. Rosetti - Sfiştofca (96.3%), C.A. Rosetti - Periprava (82.6%) and Crişan - Mila 23 (66.2%). Caraorman is the only village populated mainly of Ukrainians (80.4%). Other localities with many Ukrainians are C.A. Rosetti (37.7%), Crişan (31.3%), Sfântu Gheorghe (18.4%), and Maliuc (16.3%). Although the ethnic structure of Danube Delta is very diversified, as well as the entire historical area of the larger Dobrogea region, the delta may be an example of ethnic cohesion. Along with Romanians, which are the majority, the other nationalities are living in harmony, thus the Danube Delta is the most multi-cultural unit in Romania.

Figure 7: Ethnicity in Danube Delta13

Regarding the migration of the population, the downturn trend shown below is explained by permanent migration from the Danube Delta to urban areas located nearby. The highest migration per locality, with data as per 2008 was: Ceatalchioi (32 people), C.A.Rosetti (42 people), Chilia Veche (18 people), Nufăru (27 people), Crişan (23 people), and Sfântu 13 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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Gheorghe (23 people). Temporary migrations are often recorded in summer, when part of the population returns to households located near their agricultural lands, especially by streams and channels. The population migration takes different aspects depending on the purpose, regularity, periodicity and duration. In general terms, the ratio between the incoming and out coming population in the Danube Delta villages increased until 1999, due to the restructuring activities in the industry, but decreased since 2000 due to the migration of the population. Figure 8 shows a large difference between the inflows and outflows, resulting into the decrease of the total number of population14

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Figure 8: Migration of the population15

Population migration has a significant impact on the labor force, and in turn on economical and social development of the area. In conclusion, the main trends that shape the local communities in the Danube Delta, in terms of ethnicity and migration are: 17 ethnic populations coexist in harmony; An increasing trend of emigrants from the delta to the nearest urban centers, where

employment opportunities are higher; Emigration decreased slightly in localities where tourism developed recently.

14 The inflows refer to the changes of residences and the outflows to the departures of residences. Residence means the place where a person is temporary living. Although the number of inflows were biggest than the outflows, there was registered a decrease in the population, and not an increase because most of the population migrated in Tulcea or nearest town, but did not change their home in the ID card, only their residences. 15 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010

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3. Economic Aspects Fishing is one of the main economic sectors in the Danube Delta. More than 6% of the total employed people16 and 40%17

of the total population are involved in fishing and related sectors. Fishermen still use traditional wooden boats that can cross the narrow channels in order to reach the lakes, which can exceed the area of 5,000 ha. Other relevant sectors are represented by commerce, tourism, agriculture, and logistics activities. The number of registered enterprises increased in the past years, due to the development of aquaculture and commerce. In spite of this fact, the potential of the area is still unexploited in terms of tourism and agriculture activities.

3.1 Importance of economic activities The main economic sectors in the Danube Delta are commerce (67 firms), tourism (61 hotels and other facilities and 16 restaurants), agriculture (10 firms) and fishing and aquaculture (6 firms)18

. In places such as Sulina, Mahmudia or Murighiol commerce is the major registered economic activity, while in Crişan, Murighiol or Sfântu Gheorghe, villages located close to the major ports in the delta, tourism activity is prevalent. Across all three sectors, 84% of total firms belong to tertiary sector. Although the Delta is renowned for its fishery resources and tourism potential, statistics indicate that 33.84% of total firms have commerce as their main NACE code. The highest increases per 2009 in terms of total number of companies are in construction (85%), hotels and restaurants (65%) and wholesale (45%). Thus, economic development in the Delta is related to commerce and tourism, in compliance with the potential of the area. Also, food industry and construction are identified as potential niches, due to the development of the area. A very important particularity in this economic picture is that professional fishermen are not registered as companies (since they are self employed), so they do not count in these statistics.

Since ancient times, fishing has been the main occupation of Danube Delta’s inhabitants and although today the supply of fish has diminished, it continues to be the basic activity. Statistics indicate that there are a very low number of firms in fishing (only 6) and 5 in aquaculture, located in Sulina, C.A. Rosetti, Crişan, Mahmudia and Sfântu Gheorghe, and no firms are registered in the fish processing industry with the Tulcea Trade Register Office, with their headquarters in the Danube Delta. Company numbers increased over the last 5 years by 25%, although their activity is insignificant compared with the potential of the area. In addition to companies operating in fishing and aquaculture sector, commercial fishing, amateur fishing (sports) and family fishing are official fishing activities. Thus, the fish is caught by professional fishermen organized in associations, who sell the fish to fish processing or trading companies. The total number of registered employees in the fisheries sector working for registered companies must be added to the 1,500 self-employed professional

16Statistics refer to employed persons registered with the Romanian labor authorities, working in the fishing and fishery-related sectors, and exclude the professional fishermen. 17 Source: Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, page 169, Tulcea, 2008 18 Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010. The analysis has been made on registered active companies, based on their main economic activity

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fishermen. In order to become a professional fisherman a person has to attend a course of fishing and submit a set of papers to obtain a permit issued by Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration (DDBRA). A social protection measure enshrined in legislation for the Danube Delta’s local population refers to family fishing.19

The activity of family fishing is a right awarded to the local resident families in the Danube Delta, in order to secure a living standard for the inhabitants. It is not linked to professional fishing, nor to amateur purposes. Thus, inhabitants (usually men) holding a family fishing permit have the right to fish up to 3 kg each day/per family member or a single fish exceeding 3 kg, for their own consumption. DDBRA issue the family fishing permits and eligibility criteria refer only to the residence of the family/person: to be registered in the Danube Delta. A family fishing permit is a personal document, non-transferable, issued for an undetermined time period, for a determined fishing area, that is verified on annual basis. The law also stipulates the only gears allowed (2 rods, or 2 gillnets, or 2 pots). Water areas where family fishing is allowed are administrated by local authorities (municipalities). In this context, considering also the family fishing (families with an average of four members in each family), the fishing activity represents the main activity for 40% of the Delta’s population, being the only economic activity for the majority of the Danube Delta localities.

Another fishing activity refers to sports fishing. The number of amateurs is represented by individual fishermen that have a sport fishing license issued by sports fishermen associations legally established for recreational/leisure purposes. Also, tourists that occasionally fish in the Danube Delta need such a permit. Sport fishing competitions are often organized in the Danube Delta. The legislation also stipulates that the allowed amount of fish catches per day is up to 5 kg or one fish exceeding 5 kg, per sports fishing permit. The National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture issues permits also specifying the allowed gears (rods). The sports fishing permits were not taken into account20

, as there are no data for the DD only and thus they do not generate safe conclusions regarding the local communities’ development, except that sports fishermen put additional pressure on the fishery resources of the Danube Delta.

The major fish processing units are located outside the boundaries of the Danube Delta, the area of study, especially in Tulcea County, because this type of activity requires utilities, other basic infrastructure, transport infrastructure and a specialized labor force. Thus, the fishing activity up to the first sale point is prevalent in the Danube Delta. Figure 9 shows the dynamics of the number of permits issued by the local authorities in the Danube Delta for commercial fishing, sports fishing and family fishing.

19 Source: Law No. 23/2008 on fisheries and aquaculture, amending and supplementing Law No. 192/2001 on fisheries and aquaculture, issued in 2008, by Romanian Government 20 The number of sports permits refers to all the persons that can fish for leisure purposes in Romania. There is not a number estimated for Danube Delta, only statistics at national level.

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Figure 9: Number of permits for fishing issued in the Danube Delta21

Thus, in 2009, 1,550 permits were issued, of which 32 were permits for associations/organizations of fishermen, 15 were permits for fishing companies and research institutes, 3 were environmental permits for catching sturgeon breeders and 1,500 were permits for professional fishermen. The increasing trend of permits for professional fishermen and boats/ships access is due to political and administrative changes. Thus, until 2005, fishery resources were administrated by DDBRA which decided to reduce the number of permits to a total of 1,500 according to the conclusions of research studies conducted by the National Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta. In 2005, the new administrator became National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) through the National Company for Fishery Resources Management who issued unlimited permits for boats and ships access and professional fishermen without following any regulations such. The company was subsequently dissolved. Currently, DDBRA issues permits only for professional fishermen and family fishing, and NAFA for sports fishing and boats/ships access. Concerning the family fishing permits, the statistics show a decrease, at the same time as a decline in the total number of the population 21 Source: DDBRA, Activities reports of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration for 2004-2009, page 4-6, at section “Control documents and permits issued by DDBRA”. There are no reports for 2008

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of 10%. This is due to the migration of the population, especially young people, to urban areas that offer attractive employment opportunities. Being a fisherman is inherited from father to son and is learnt from the elderly people, being considered an intangible cultural heritage. This know-how transfer concerning traditional fishing is at risk, because young persons are no longer interested in this traditional activity22

.

Figure 10: Trends in key economic activities by no. of companies, 2005 to 200923

Concerning economic activities by turnover, the only available statistical data makes a distinction by primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. The statistics show that most of the companies are small businesses that have developed economic activities related to agriculture, commerce, tourism and commercial fishing. The primary sector is prevalent in Sf. Gheorghe, Murighiol and Crişan, the secondary sector in Mahmudia and tertiary in Sulina, Chilia Veche, Crişan and Maliuc. Thus, the delta has a tertiary-primary profile (with a total number of 244 companies in the tertiary sector), strongly concentrated in Sulina town which holds about 60% of employees in this sector. The profile of the municipalities by turnover shows that the delta area has a strong tertiary profile (€228 million turnover), the only exception being Sfântu Gheorghe village which has a primary profile. Crişan and Sulina villages are the most important economic centers in the delta, with a share of 30% from the total market in terms of number of employees and turnover value.

22 Source: Nicherşu Iulian, Marin Eugenia, Sela Florentina, Mierlă Marian and Lungu Eugenia, “Research on heritage values of rural environment of the Danube Delta in order to sustain conservation measures”, National Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta, page 3, Tulcea, 2009 23 Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010. The official data refer to companies by their headquarters, and the targeted NACE code as main object of economic activity

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Figure 11: Distribution of companies by number, by main economic activity in Danube Delta,

200824

Figure 12: Distribution by turnover (EUR) for main economic sectors in Danube Delta, 200825

24 Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010 25 Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010

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Furthermore, the seasonality of non-fishery sector is prevalent for tourism and agriculture. Although the length of the tourist season has expanded to April-October26, the peak is in August-September, when the mosquito season has passed. Tourism statistics indicate 144 classified accommodation units, of which 19 hotels, one motel, one tourist inn, 53 villas, 26 bungalows, 2 tourist stops, 2 tourism camp-sites for students, 2 camp-sites, 4 floating hotels ships, 24 rural guest-houses and 10 urban guest-houses27

. The total capacity of tourism units is 2,747 beds. The total number of tourists who visited Danube Delta in 2009 was 71,550 with 125,891 overnights. In addition, a large number of local inhabitants use their own houses to accommodate tourists. Thus, rural tourism is widespread in the Danube Delta territory, and is an important source of income. Nevertheless, statistics indicate a decrease in the number of visitors and their average expenditure of 10% in 2009 compared to 2008. Following the seasonality pattern of fishing and agriculture, income from tourism activities has a seasonal peak in the summer period too.

Also, due to the fact that agricultural lands were under seasonal flood for the last years, leading to displacement of people to other areas in the delta, nowadays there are localities with none or only a small number of inhabitants (Uzlina, Ostrovu-Tataru, Tatanir). Currently, there are 10 agricultural firms, an increase of 20% compared to 2005, covering 12.9% of the dry area, equivalent to a total of 61,453 hectares. There are no functional livestock farms for intensive breeding, thus the farms operate using the extensive system. The main locations are Letea, Periprava, C.A. Rosetti, Sfistoca and Caraorman. In conclusion, there is poor diversification of economic activities in the area. A rate of 40% of total population is dependent on fishing and related activities. Also, there is low added value of the local fisheries products due to the lack of local brands for specific products and certification schemes necessary to promote and give additional value to these products. The poor organization of producers, low added value of fishing products, limited access to bank loans for local manufacturers and the difficult of fish-processors in accessing public funds are the main elements that characterize the fishing activity in the area. All these elements, combined with ecosystems’ destruction and pollution of the resources has caused a constant decrease in aquaculture production.

3.2 Employment and unemployment The active population of the area is about 35.3% with an employment rate of 86.69% differentiated by the following activities: fishing, aquaculture and processing industry (15.3%), agriculture and forestry (29%), industry, trade, construction and services (15.6%), tourism, transport and communications (15.4%), health (1.9%), education and culture (5.7%), public administration (13.5%) and others (3.6%).

26Besides the official data taken into account when assessing the phenomenon of DD travel and tourism, it was considered also the number of unauthorized accommodation activities with families. 27 Source: Romanian National Institute for Statistics, “Romanian Tourism in figures”, page 28, March 2007

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Figure 13: Contribution of sectors to total employment in 2008

In 2008, 4,531 people were employed in the Danube Delta28

, representing an employment rate of 86.69% of the active population (16 to 65 years old), similar to Tulcea county (82.82%). The Danube Delta accounts for more part time employees, less full time employees and more self employed residents, than Tulcea County as a whole. Also, statistics indicate a percentage of 13.31% unemployed people, higher than the national value (8.07%), unevenly distributed in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and neighboring localities.

The situation over time indicates an increase in employed people with the highest peak in 2007 (4,900 employees) followed by a decrease in 2009. Thus, the unemployment rate increased by more than 8% in recent years.

28 Source: Tulcea Labour Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 14: The employment and unemployment rate, 2002 to 200929

Full time employment by economic sector for Danube Delta is dominated by agriculture, forestry and hunting with 13.98%, fishing and aquaculture with 15.31%, and transport, logistics and communications with 14.7%. There are 1,822 employees in the primary sector, representing 44.34% of the total employment in the active population. In Sulina 12,54% of employment is in the primary sector, while for the other villages it ranges between 84.15% (Rosetti) and 48.57% (Maliuc). Regarding the secondary sector, 228 persons work (5.55%) as follows: Sulina has a share of 8.25% and the other localities register values between 0.92% (C.A. Rosetti) and 4.71% (Chilia). The biggest value is recorded in Maliuc (8.57%). The tertiary sector has 2,059 employees, representing 50.11% of the total, concentrated mostly in Sulina (50.9% of the employment in Sulina) and Sfântu Gheorghe (42.48%). Due to the lack of jobs, in most of the villages many active people have never been employed in productive activities. The share of the active population ranges from 0.39% (C.A. Rosetti) to 21.65% (Crişan). 604 persons are employed in logistics, representing 14.7% from the total employed people in the Delta, with the biggest values in Sulina (487 people), which also concentrates almost 80.63% of the employment population.

29 Source: Tulcea Labor Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 15: Employment by key economic sector, 2004 to 200830

Thus, the overall analysis on the main economic sector in the Danube Delta indicates that commerce, commercial fishing and agriculture have the largest number of employees: 1,302 in commerce, 1,488 in commercial fishing, and 660 in agriculture (2008 data). Moreover, the largest number of employees in all sectors is registered in Sulina (1,516), C.A. Rosetti (757) and Chilia Veche (594). In what concerns the commercial fishing sector, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe and Chilia Veche are the main localities where a large number of people work in this field. Moreover, the fishery dependency graphic shows that Danube Delta’s local communities are fishery-dependent, with a rate of 42% of the total number of employees. Also, the large share of fishermen in the Danube Delta is due to the concession policy requiring the operator to hire a local labour force31

.

30 Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010. The decrease of the unemployment rate is not equivalent with an increase of the employment rate, due to the following legislative issue: if an unemployed person is not get hired within 12 months up to 16 months depending on lifespan, he/she is withdrawn from the unemployment statistics and are no longer under the social security law. Also, most of women in the Danube Delta are housewives, e.g. only 10 women are employed in commercial fishing and aquaculture. Most of the employees are men. 31 Source: Nicherşu Iulian, Marin Eugenia, Sela Florentina, Mierlă Marian and Lungu Eugenia, “Research on heritage values of rural environment of the Danube Delta in order to sustain conservation measures”, National Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta, page 3, Tulcea, 2009

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Figure 16: Number of economic agents by locality, 2005-200932

The largest numbers of unemployed are registered in Sulina (111 persons), Mahmudia (108 persons), Murighiol (77 persons) and Beştepe (68 persons). The highest increase in the unemployment rate is recorded in Mahmudia, Nufăru and Beştepe. The data show a decline in the unemployment rate during 2002-2007 due to the diversification of economic activities in the Danube Delta, especially fishery, transport and tourism. In spite of this positive trend, an important increase was recorded in 2008-2009 due to economic crisis that resulted in small businesses stopping their activities.

32 Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 17: Unemployed people by locality, 2002 to 200933

The development of the Danube Delta in the past years was related to tourism and fishing sectors. According to the available data, only 6% of the total number of employees is officially registered in the fishing sector (71 persons in commercial fishing and 339 persons in aquaculture sub-sector) but this of course excludes the 1,500 professional fishermen). In conclusion, the main trends and changes in the Danube Delta are related to the following: Given the natural conditions in Danube Delta, agriculture appears as a sector with

limited development potential. The conditions are not favorable for crop production: small areas of land (only about 15% of the total area), low fertility of land (with prevailing conditions of salt and sand or poorly developed alluvial soils). Livestock is favored due to local conditions.

The Danube Delta is known at an international level for its unique character, which combines nature (colonies of birds, lush forests, sandy banks), recreational uses (fishing, beach season) and ethno-cultural elements (folk architecture, customs and specific traditions). Based on these competitive advantages the tourism sector has developed in the area. There are 144 accommodation units, with 19 hotels, a motel, a tourist inn, 53 villas, 26 bungalows, 2 tourist stops, 2 tourism camp-sites for students, 2 camp-sites, 4 accommodations on ships, 24 rural guest-houses and 10 urban guest-houses34

33 Source: Tulcea Labor Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010

. The total capacity of the accommodation units numbers 2,747 beds seats, with an occupancy rate of 39.1% in August in 2009. The total number of visitors in 2009 was 71,550, with 125,891 overnights.

34 Source: Romanian National Institute for Statistics, “Romanian Tourism in figures”, page 28, March 2007

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Most industrial units are concentrated in urban areas of the Delta. Thus, the industry is developing based on exploitation of Delta’s resources – fishery resources, agricultural (vegetable, grain, livestock), reeds, the metallic ores and construction materials. Among these resources, fish and reeds have the greatest importance, both at local level for the economy of the delta area and at national level – the delta is known as the first base stock of the country with the largest area of reeds (160,000 ha).

Although many direct jobs were lost by modernizing the production technologies in the processing units, overall, the number of persons involved in fisheries and fisheries-related activities increased (fish, agriculture, hydraulic design, shipbuilding, and aquaculture exploitation), and these activities are now the main sources of employment in Murighiol, Dunavăţul de Jos, Dunavăţul de Sus, and Tudor Vladimirescu.

3.3 Infrastructure

3.3.1. Transport and access infrastructure

The Danube Delta is one of the most attractive landscapes in Europe, but promoting it is difficult as long as transport infrastructure is poor. Limited access roads and their poor quality represent a real obstacle in developing tourism in the Delta. Currently, the key infrastructure weaknesses35

identified for Tulcea County Council, including the Danube Delta, are the following: inadequate technical condition of road network, very old railway network (a single line without electricity), inadequate port infrastructure and landings, road destruction by heavy vehicles, commercial traffic dropped in the international border crossing point Tulcea – Izmail, lack of properly equipped tourist ports and the absence of a bridge over the Danube between Tulcea and Braila disrupts traffic of goods and passengers.

Air transport services are provided by “Delta” airport, located 14 km from Tulcea, on the road to Constanta, and administrated by Tulcea Local Council. Currently, the airport has no scheduled flights, only charters, given the fact that Bucharest – Constanta – Tulcea trip lasts at least 4 hours. In recent years, important investments in its infrastructure have been carried out: rehabilitation of the runway and its extension to 2,000 meters, lighting, and fencing its surroundings. These investments allow land/take off of Boeing 737-size aircrafts, in full safety conditions. Taking into account the fact that this airport does not function in proper conditions, the air transport services are provided by “Mihail Kogalniceanu” airport in Constanta County, which organizes charter courses. Also, the airport provides for constant military air services. The rail transportation is provided by a railway network which ensures transportation conditions for slow trains, while Tulcea is the passenger and cargo railway terminal. The passenger system provides two daily trips on Bucharest – Tulcea return, and four daily return

35 Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, National Center for Sustainable Development, UNPD Romania and Tulcea County Council, “Local Agenda - Sustainable Development Plan of Tulcea County”, page 22-26, Tulcea, 2007

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trips Tulcea – Constanta. The railway transport faces serious competition from the road transport companies, as they are cheaper and faster, but with a low safety level for passengers. The road transport of passengers is provided to all localities on dry land. Contact outside Tulcea County is ensured by daily trips to Bucharest, Constanta, Galati, and Braila. The transport is based on minibuses and buses. Three main companies cover the passenger road transport activity: S.C. Public Transport S.A Address: No. 148, Babadag, Tulcea county Phone number: +40 240 534 278

S.C. Augustina S.R.L. Address: 158 Babadag Street, Bl. 13, Sc. B, Ap. 4, Tulcea county Phone number: +40 743 334 840

S.C. Atlassib Tulcea Address: 121 Pacii Street, Bl. 128, Sc. A, ap. 4., Tulcea county Phone number: +40 240 519 377

The public road network in Tulcea County consists of 325,657 kilometers of national roads, 480,561 km county and 511,225 km communal roads. Out of the 325,657 km of national roads, 152,744 km represent the European road E87. From 480,561 km county roads, 12,000 km (2%) are modernized roads, 416,132 km (87%) light asphalt roads and 54,429 km (11%) paved roads. Only 16,3% of county roads are in good state, 39,2% are in an average state and 44.5% in a bad or very bad state. Passenger and freight water transport is very important for the local economy, taking in account the fact that more than half of the Tulcea county surface is covered by the Danube Delta, and all delta communities are to be reached solely by water. The main ports in the Danube Delta are: Sulina port, Tulcea, Chilia Veche, Mahmudia, Isaccea, Caraorman and Sfântu Gheorghe ports. The ports provide transport of goods through ships and barges that may have the capacity up to 18,000 dwt. Unfortunately, most vessels operating in the county are old, built in the 1970s (“Banat”, “Vrancea”, “Moldova”, “Mehedinti” of 300 passengers, “Mircesti” and “Maramures” of 150 people, “Cotnari” 60 places, “Fieni” 30 seats) with reduced speed and heavy handling. The state company Navrom Tulcea owns these vessels along with two catamarans, each of 200 seats, and operates on the following routes: Tulcea – Sulina, Tulcea – Chilia, Tulcea – Periprava and Tulcea – Sfântu Gheorghe, every 2 days. Also, a few rapid boats with 600 seats each operate daily to Sulina, Chilia and Sfântu Gheorghe. The boats are owned by three private companies: S.C. Basnav Tur S.R.L., S.C. Total S.R.L. and S.C. Diana Shipping S.R.L. The total cost for a trip is of app. Euro 7. In relation to the navigable main channels in the Danube Delta36

, navigation is carried out both by tonnage vessels (maximum gauge 200 m long, 28 m width and draft of 7.32 m) on Sulina channel (Maritime Danube to Braila port) and other types of ships that can travel both on Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe channels as well as and interior channels.

Given the highly protected status of the Danube Delta, including strictly protected areas, buffer and economic areas; the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration has established the following navigation paths:

36 Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan for Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, page 367-368, September 2005

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Open shipping routes, throughout the year, subject to the rules of internal and international navigation;

Open shipping routes within the hydrographic units located between the 3 branches of Danube: motor boats, ships and small boats without powered engines, with permits to practice transport activities, issued by the Tulcea Local Council;

Open shipping routes within the hydrographic units located between the 3 branches of Danube: motor boats, low draft vessels and ships without powered engines, with permits to practice transport activities, issued by Tulcea Local Council;

Navigable routes located in the natural lakes and streams, spawning aquatic fauna, economic and buffer zones are open only for vessels without mechanic propulsion or recreational trips and for vessels with powered engine only on limited periods, in certain conditions;

Inside the protected areas, only for scientific research and monitoring purposes; Open shipping routes for tourism activities on lakes and streams with vessels with

powered engines annually authorized by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration. The routes are located in economic and buffer zones (on the routes there are placed signals for navigation regulations and protection areas crossed by the navigable routes).

The main disadvantages for the entire range of economic activities that can be practiced in Danube Delta are the general isolation and its access roads. The access to the economic centers is difficult because of the large share of water transport, whose rhythm is very sensitive to the changes of the natural conditions (freezing, low or high water blocks). If for some sectors (e.g. fishing) no changes will be determined by improving the transport means, for other sectors, including fish processing, an expansion of the land transport network can bring substantial economic benefits. 3.3.2. Utilities and general infrastructure Poor utilities infrastructure contributes to the general decline of the Delta, including its isolation. The only subsidies given refer to water transport. The costs for electricity and water consumption are very high, due to the isolation. The overall analysis on the level of endowment with basic utilities of the 13 localities indicates the following current situation37

Water: :

Most of the localities do not have access to running water, sewerage systems and wastewater treatment plants.

Three localities have full water systems (running water, wastewater systems and wastewater treatment plants): Sulina, Murighiol, and Crişan, while Mahmudia has a sewerage system and no treatment station (feasibility studies prepared for the extension of sewerage system and construction of the sewage station);

37 Source: Tulcea County Council, according to Local Development Plans of each 13 localities in the Danube Delta (www.cjtulcea.ro), Tulcea, 2010

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Several water projects are under implementation or in preparation phase (feasibility study phase) and refer to water supply, sewerage utilities and pumping or sewage stations: C.A. Rosetti, Ceatalchioi, Chilia Veche, Caraorman, Nufăru, Murighiol or Maliuc. The projects under implementation will be finalized in 2011. There are also localities where the rehabilitation of basic utilities is not included in the local development plans: Beştepe and Pardina;

Waste: In Sfântu Gheorghe operates a waste transfer station, as well as one of the county

waste landfills; No rural locality have waste management systems in place; All 13 localities are members of the "County Association for Infrastructure Development

of Household Waste" in Tulcea, aimed at monitoring, supervising and implementing the "Integrated Waste Management System in Tulcea County" project to be financed by Sectoral Operational Programme for Environment;

Energy: All localities in Danube Delta are connected to the national power system, yet all need

extensions of the local systems. Central heating systems: None of the 13 localities has a central heating system.

Flood risk: Due to the location of the villages in the Danube Delta, a permanent problem is the need

to strengthen municipal land flooded by water through resistant tree plantations which can act as protection curtains.

Conclusions on local infrastructure in the Danube Delta: Lack of utilities (water and sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, central

heating systems, electricity) in the most of the Danube Delta communities; Difficult to supply with food and other consumer goods, especially in winter, which

causes high cost of any product due to shipping. In addition, Delta has a poor network of transportation, depending exclusively on water means;

The major risk is related to floods, especially in spring when Danube volume raises and in spring and autumn due to storms caused by northeast winds, affecting marine and shore by abrasion;

Advanced state of degradation of building/old facades and lack of rehabilitation strategies for architectural monuments in Danube Delta, thus affecting the area's tourism potential.

3.3.3. School infrastructure Education is very important, being directly linked to socio-economic integration and the potential income level at family level, as well as to the level of aspirations and needs. In the Danube Delta, there are 412 persons with higher education (teachers, engineers, doctors, economists and other professions), and 1,000 with secondary education (teachers, doctors, technicians,

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ecologists and other categories). Out of the total active population, 75% have completed a full school cycle, 11% primary school and 4% are illiterate. In 2010, the school system has 187 employees, of which 94 are professors, 83 are teachers, 3 are psychologists, 4 are directors and 2 are foremen. 75% of the total number of teachers are women (142) and 25% are men (45). Concerning their level of education, 69 persons have completed secondary school and 16 have a post-secondary school, while 78 persons have higher education and 7 teachers have a Ph.D diploma. Only 15 persons have graduated a pedagogy institute/course, thus less than 0.08% are qualified teachers. Moreover, only 45% of the total are teachers by profession (86), while 35% are qualified (43) and unskilled (26) substitutes. The total number of educational units is of 19, thus less than one school per locality (29 localities)38. There are 1,501 pupils, of which 628 pupils are in primary schools, 707 in secondary and 166 in high school39

. Children enrolled in kindergarten are of 410.

Educational statistics highlight that teachers with a higher education in Danube Delta are less than 50% of the national average. This condition is linked to the hard living conditions in isolated localities, not meeting the aspirations and needs of these professionals. Teachers with secondary education (secondary and post-secondary) represent only one third of the national average and less than half of the Tulcea County average. This condition shows a gap in terms of secondary and complementary studies. Referring to fishing sector, statistics show a decline in the share of employees who have completed primary education and an increase of employees with secondary education. Thus overall, there has been a general increase in the level of education of the employees of this sector, although the employees who have completed primary education still represent 50%.

38 Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Educational status in Danube Delta localities for 2008-2009 school year”, statistics as per May 2010 39 Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Record of pupils in the schools of Danube Delta”, statistics per 2009-2010 school year

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Only 6 employees have higher education. In comparison, the aquaculture sub-sector recorded no change to the level of education of the engaged employees. The declines indicated by the statistics took place due to the decreasing trend of the total number of employees in this sub-sector representing seasonal labour force. Only 0.03% have higher education.

Figure 18: Education level of labour force in commercial fishing and aquaculture40

Regarding the education infrastructure, it differs from one locality to another. In villages, especially for those which are community centers, the schools and kindergartens are better equipped to deal with the number of students. Another characteristic is the lack of canteens and boarding schools as children from villages where there are no primary schools (being isolated) have to travel long distances, sometimes in very difficult conditions in order to attend schools from community centers. There are 5 public primary schools (Periprava, Gorgova, Letea, Partizanii de Sus and Dunavăţ de Sus), 12 public secondary schools units (Ceatalchioi, Pardina, Chilia Veche, C.A. Rosetti, Crişan, Sfântu Gheorghe, Caraorman, Maliuc, Beştepe and Murighiol, Dunavăţu de Jos, Mila 23), one school of arts and crafts (Murighiol) and 1 high school (Sulina), covering homogeneously the community needs41

. There are no private schools located in the area. The second grade schools cover different disciplines, from classical to scientific, artistic and linguistic areas. Furthermore, given the strong fisheries dependency of the communities, a number of technical, commercial and other schools specialize in fishing-related subjects, such as “Economic College Danube Delta”.

40 Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics per May 2010 41 Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Map of education facilities in Tulcea county”, statistics as per May 2010 (www.isjtl.edu.ro)

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3.4 Local development plans The Danube Delta has a great fishing tradition, with great biological diversity and landscape views, where alternative economic activities can be developed in order to increase population’s revenues without increasing the pressure on the existing fisheries. Along the Danube River, the main occupation of the population is fishing or aquaculture. In order to maintain sustainable fishing and increase its competitiveness, a number of activities are needed: diversification of fishing products in line with the consumers’ demands and quality and food safety standards, market transparency and consumer information. The main strategy that regulates the fishing, aquaculture and processing sub-sector at national level, including Danube Delta is the National Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013 (NSP). The overall objective of the strategy for fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector is promoting a competitive, dynamic, modern and sustainable fishing sector, taking in account the environmental, economic and social development issues. The key issues facing the fisheries sector are: The decrease of fish catches, both in fresh and sea waters, caused by the extension of

pollution, habitat destruction, lack of catching material and inadequate technical infrastructure;

Lack of investments, degrading fishing facilities, increased production costs and uncertain legal status of the lands have led to a decrease in the production in aquaculture;

Low productivity and poor quality of fishery products mainly influenced by reduced access to credit, inadequate and inefficient use of existing resources, obsolete infrastructures and equipments, lack or effective management and marketing knowledge;

Poor organization of the market due to the lack of first sale facilities, lack of producers’ organizations, the production-processing-trading chain badly organized and lack of transparency in the market.

Significant gap between imports and exports - the main cause is a poor diversity of valuable aquaculture species, as well as a narrow range of processed products.

In order to address these issues, the National Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013 proposes the following strategic pillars: (1) ensuring sustainable development of current fisheries sector in Romania; (2) fishery products market development; (3) strengthening the capacity of government fisheries sector in Romania. Regarding the first pillar of the strategy, the aim of this plan is to help the Romanian enterprises to face open competition within the Community and with third countries enterprises in the Romanian fishing sector. Taking in account the second pillar, the transition to a market economy should be completed with the development of an internal market that allows the Romanian enterprises not only to increase their competitiveness internally but in a new open market. Referring to the third pillar, the 2 objectives mentioned above can be accomplished only if the human resources involved in the fishing sector have the proper knowledge.

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The key priorities of the NSP 2007 – 2013: - Sustainable exploitation of the fishery resource potential - Increased competitiveness of the sector - Sector structure and economic environment - Development of fishing areas - Human capital and the territorial dimension of the Common Fishing Policy - Improved management of the fishing and aquaculture sector

The European Fishery Fund will be the basic instrument in achieving most of the NSP's priorities through the Operational Programme Fisheries of Romania 2007-2013. The Romanian NSP priorities are in line with the priorities of the European Fishing Fund. In this respect, the priority objective of the NSP could be achieved as follows:

− Increasing fisheries security and food safety axis 1, axis 2 and axis 3; − Improving the living conditions of people involved in fishery sector can be achieved by

axis 2 (increasing the number of aquaculture sites and processing units), axis 4 (diversifying fishermen’s economic activities) and by axis 3 (developing professional skills of fishermen). Life quality improvement will be achieved through axis 4.

− Environmental protection will be mostly concerned by axis 3 (protection of wild flora and fauna, rehabilitation of inland waters and implementation of the NATURA 2000 network), by axis 2 (through the development of aquaculture facilities in line with the NATURA 2000 regulations) and by axis 4 (for sustainable development of the fisheries areas).

− Good governance will be covered by axis 3 and 5, through the strengthening of institutional structures, the improving of data collection systems, the enhancing of control, the improving of the legal framework, the better organization of the producers, training of specialists and the creation of public-private partnerships.

The NSP also indicates the following measures concerning the Danube Delta: Priority

Axis Strategic Direction

Measure

Axis 1 Sustainable exploitation of the fishery resource potential

• Conservation measures in order to protect endangered species (sturgeons) will be achieved through national and European regulations.

• Modernization of fishing vessels • Adjustment of the fishing effort by permanent cessation

of activities of fishing vessels • Development of inland water fishing, by creating landing

and trading facilities Axis 2 Increase the

competitiveness of fishing sector

• Increasing the number of aquaculture and processing units

• Modernization of existing aquaculture units • Modernization and expansion of existing processing units • Encouraging the traditional aquaculture • Support for promotional activities for the fisheries

products

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Axis 4 Development of fisheries areas

• Integrated management program for fishery areas; • Creating opportunities for generating alternative income

among the inhabitants from fishery areas; • Creating specific infrastructure through ensuring a

qualitative processing equipment; • Construction of three harbors at the Black Sea, 5 landing

points and 5 shelters • Modernizing and construction of landing points jetties in

Danube Delta • Fish auctions in Tulcea and Constanta

The local development strategies up to 2013 of the 13 localities in the Danube Delta propose to maintain economic prosperity and social cohesion and to create a value for local products, by creating jobs in the sector (especially for women and youth) and by supporting diversification of economic activities for fishing communities, thereby increasing the quality of life. Each locality from the existing 28 has as main two strategic directions: to create or rehabilitate the basic infrastructure and to build on the tourism potential. The expansion and rehabilitation of basic infrastructure for sustainable development of the localities is also mentioned in the Master Plan and aims at creating/extending the water supply and sanitation network in the 28 localities. Given the potential of the tourism sector (creating jobs, contributing to the local economy, social impact), rural tourism development in the territory of the localities is a priority. The main projects with great impact in the tourism and fishing activities are: modernization of the transport infrastructure to the tourist area Murighiol-Uzlina-Dunavăţ-Razim Lake and modernization of tourist ports of Sfântu Gheorghe and Murighiol. The following strategies outline the main measures applied at local level, related to Danube Delta, issued by various authorities that administrate the Danube Delta: 1. The Regional Master Plan for the Danube Delta, issued in 2005,42

focuses on managing the process of regional and local change for accelerated growth and improvement of quality of life in a sustainable manner. The Master Plan identifies the changes Delta must face, develops solutions to solve the issues identified and, finally, establishes priorities for the action plan. According to this strategic document, the Delta has to invest about 140 million euro, an amount that would be directed to complete the five proposed key objectives. The list of priorities concerns are: improving the infrastructure of public utilities, transport and communications, the development of alternative traditional economic activities in order to reduce pressure on fishery resources, supporting local conservation by improving the monitoring system of the Danube Delta ecosystems and the ecological reconstruction of certain areas of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve territory. In terms of economic activities, the Master Plan proposes local people to get involved into tourism as a main occupation and less commercial fishing; the Delta would be rebuilt in terms of natural conservation by flooding the unprofitable agricultural areas.

In relation to the fishery component and ecological reconstruction, which, according to the Master Plan, will be implemented progressively until 2015, the following objectives have been

42 Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan for Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, Tulcea, September 2005

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set, with direct impact upon the fishing and aquaculture activity: (1) restoration of hydrological and ecological balance; (2) creation of new habitats for fish and birds; (3) restoration of traditional activities: fishing reed harvesting, ecotourism; (4) reintegration to natural hydrological cycle of certain agriculture and fishery economic areas. 2. Tourism has been identified as the main engine for the development of the Danube Delta, thus tourism may became the central activity stimulating both the conservation process and the environmental protection for sustainable economic development. In order to promote the Danube Delta, eight major areas covering different Danube Delta were identified in the Strategic Plan for sustainable tourism development in the Danube Delta 2009-2013 and the criteria was based on two important factors, namely: (1) the existing condition of tourism and leisure in the areas addressed; (2) the main natural/cultural elements underpinning the quality of experience that each area can offer, given the unique market positioning of each area43

• Promoting the rural/cultural tourism;

. The targeted areas are Tulcea, Chilia, Letea, Crişan, Sulina-Sfântu Gheorghe, Murighiol, Jurilovca, and Corbu. Taking into account the specific of each area, the main objectives of the strategy for the period 2009-2013 are as follows:

• Preserving and protecting the biodiversity of natural habitats; • Preserving the cultural heritage; • Economic development of local communities in the D.D. territory with the involvement of

local communities; • Tourism management in D.D. territory.

Furthermore, the key sectors identified for investments are the fishing sector, transport and tourism infrastructure development, information and communication and rehabilitation of cultural objectives. For the fishing sector, the main directions established in the strategy are referring mainly to sport fishing that is the most developed form of tourism in Danube Delta, as following: Support for local communities in creating fishermen associations for traditional fishing in

order to promote and develop the local tourism initiatives; Diversification of tourism by promoting elements from mainland of the Danube Delta

(Casla-Vadana, Musura, Periprava, Sfântu Gheorghe, Sulina, Perivolovca, Erenciuc, Uzlina, Isacova, Murighiol). Currently the fishing and hunting activities represents the main attraction for internal tourists and visitors;

Developing the resources for bird watching and sport fishing in Babina-Cernovca area by opening a channel of access to the area of reeds, with a strict visitor management control.

Related to the Master Plan implementation, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration undertakes annual investment programmes. The proposed investments in 2010 are as follows:

43 According to “Recreation and tourism zoning strategy for the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, DDBRA

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Project Total value Rehabilitation of Sulina information center €77,351 Rehabilitation and modernization of Crişan information center €181,723 Planning access routes and ornithological observer in DDBR €344,953 Forestation for banks consolidation €248,553 Rehabilitation of natural forest €210,738 Rehabilitation of the following information and environmental education centers: Chilia Veche, Caraorman, C.A. Rosetti, Murighiol and Sfântu Gheorghe

€1,190,615

Ecological reconstruction in fish decorations: Chilia, Murighiol, Dunavăţ

€1,258,601

Ecological reconstruction in agricultural land in Murighiol and Dunavăţ

€2,655,441

The main funding source of these projects are structural instruments, and to a small extent DDBRA’s own budget. 3. The National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of its Components44

, and the Action Plan 2010 outlines the major constraints that define Danube Delta regarding its conservation and biodiversity: land conversion to urban development, industrial, agricultural, tourism and transport; expansion and development of cities and villages in the area; overexploitation of natural resources; climate changes and pollution.

Strategic directions. The conservation actions proposed in this strategy aim to: Halt the decline of biological diversity represented by genetic resources, species,

ecosystems and landscapes and restoring degraded systems by 2020; Integrate conservation of biodiversity policies into all sectoral policies by 2020; Promote traditional practices and innovative methods as measures to support

biodiversity conservation according to sustainable development principles by 2020; Improve communication and education in terms of biodiversity and environmental

protection by 2020. The strategy states the fact that the preservation actions directed to protected areas, in general, and Danube Delta in particular, can occur only by exploiting the natural beauty as such. Most of the management plans of the protected areas set as a priority to promote and create opportunities for sustainable development of local economy, thus maintaining it in acceptable limits of entropic impact, highlighting the values of biodiversity. Fishery component, Priority D. “Sustainable use of components in terms of biodiversity”, strategic direction D3. “Wild species with economic value exploitation”, identifies as a main problem with regard to fisheries, the lack of proper assessment of the conservation status of 44 The strategy is issued by the National Ministry of Environment and Forests, http://www.mmediu.ro/protectia_naturii/biodiversitate/Strategie_Biodiversitate_2000_Ro.pdf

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wild fish stocks and the conflicting existing data. The main measures proposed are the following: To promote sustainable use of species with economic value; To develop technical conservation measures for ensuring sustainable use of species of

economic interest; To declare the prohibition of aquaculture practices and captive breeding of wild hunting

interest that may affect the conservation status of wildlife and natural habitats. 4. Tulcea County Local Plan for Sustainable Development (Agenda 21), 2007, identifies agriculture, fishing and stone extraction as traditional economic sectors that need to be supported. Aquaculture is a growing activity, although this is influenced by significant reduction of fishery resources in the natural environment and the EU rules for professional fishermen accessing funding sources.

Project Objective Source of funding

Total value

Terminal modernization and separation of passenger flows in Airport Danube Delta, Tulcea

Improving air transport facilities for tourists in the Danube Delta in accordance with international standards for air passengers. The main results expected are: terminal building on 4.150 sqm, flow separation for arrivals and departures, flow separation for extra and intra departures in Schengen area, taking in consideration the fact that Tulcea represents the European Union’s eastern border since 2007.

Not established

€6,500,000

Infrastructure modernization to touristic area Murighiol-Uzlina-Dunavăţ - Razim Lake

Sustainable tourism development and business environment in the south-eastern part of Tulcea County by improving regional access to the Danube Delta. The main results expected are road infrastructure modernization and environmental restoration for road infrastructure.

Regional Operational Program

€23,000,000

Rehabilitation of tourist ports: Sfântu Gheorghe, Murighiol and Sarichioi

Creating leisure structures in order to increase the number of tourists and to develop tourist recreation activities with impact on the length of stay in the Danube Delta. The major activities of the project refer to: rehabilitation of mooring quays for each port, fuel for power stations with gasoline and diesel, points of repair and ships maintenance equipped with necessary facilities, construction of administrative and commercial spaces, connection to utilities for each port, landing points for at least 20 leisure boats, specialized ecological toilets and collection areas.

Regional Operational Program

€25,000,000

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System for collection, processing and waste transportation in the Danube Delta

Eliminate the negative consequences of inadequate management of waste generated both in the localities of Danube Delta as well as in tourist routes and campsites.

Ministry of Environment

€5,000,000

Greening the Caraorman sand area

Restoration of specific landscape in Caraorman sand area

Ministry of Environment

€400,000

Ecological reconstruction of agricultural land Murighiol – Dunavăţ

Reintegration of agricultural and fishery facilities abandoned because of the floods events and rehabilitation of access infrastructure with natural areas located outside of these facilities.

Rural Development Program

€4,200,000

Ecological reconstruction of Murighiol aquaculture site

Reintegration of agricultural and aquaculture facilities abandoned because of the floods events and rehabilitation of access infrastructure with natural areas located outside of these facilities.

Fishery Operational Program

€2,000,000

Ecological information center in Sfântu Gheorghe

Împroving local infrastructure in order to facilitate public access and information regarding the touristic areas in Sfântu Gheorghe and Danube Delta area. A specific objective of the project refers to increase the involvement of local communities in environmental issues.

Regional Operational Program

€300,000

The main funding source of these projects are structural instruments, the Cohesion Fund, and the Tulcea County public budget. In conclusion, the local development plans concerning Danube Delta area refer to measures to develop local fisheries-dependent communities and to offer various alternatives for a sustainable growth in order to reduce the pressure on natural resources.

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4. Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector The Danube Delta is the largest fishing area in Romania, and accounts for 80% of the total volume of fish catches. Over the past 10 years, the fishing sector has recorded a decrease in total catch volume (30%) and total value. In 2009 almost 2,090 tones were landed by the Danube Delta fleet. Gibel carp dominates the catches in terms of value (€ 3.304 mil in 2008) and volume (826 tonnes in 2008). The strongest reductions are related to bream, mackerel and carp, while the other species have had a constant dynamic over the time. The landing facilities in the Danube Delta cover 6 harbors located in Tulcea, Sulina, Chilia Veche, Mahmudia, Sfântu Gheorghe and Caraorman and there are landing places in almost all villages.

A main need identified in the aquaculture sub-sector is the rehabilitation of the farms that have a large role in preserving the ecological systems. Thus, many sites, although operated by private companies, are now abandoned in terms of aquaculture and their main activities reduced to recreational fishing or intensive agriculture. Also, there are extremely few fish processing companies in the Delta because most of the Danube Delta’s localities are isolated areas, thus the transport, storage and electricity costs are very high. Also, the lack of educated people in the Danube Delta is a constraint due to legal requirements for specialized/qualified personnel in the food industry. The ancillary sub-sector is represented by a few companies involved in repair and maintenance of ships and boats.

4.1 Details of the local fishing fleets

Before 1993, when the Romanian Company for Marine Fishing closed its activity, the Romanian deep sea fleet was composed of 47 trawler vessels, with processing facilities on board, 12 transport cooling vessels, and 2 fuel supply vessels. Nowadays, the deep sea fleet has ceased its activity. Regarding the small scale fishing fleet operating in the Danube Delta, its catches are not properly assessed due to difficulties in recording the landings and the absence of organized sale points. Since 2006, investors became interested in marine and inland fishing activities and have started to build new vessels (for small scale fishing activity). According to the Fishing Vessel Register45

, 2,256 boats fish in the Danube and Danube Delta, and are mainly traditional and old vessels. Although the small size of the fishing fleet does not justify the development of fishing ports, it should be noted that the large distances crossed by fishing vessels from fishing areas to ports require modernized facilities. Of the total number of fishing boats, the fleet segment concerning the Danube Delta includes only 1,219 vessels (2009 data). The only data available indicates a large share of boats are smaller than 12 m (1,215), and 4 boats are larger than 12 m. In general, the fishing boats are small and do not require crew to maneuver; only professional fishermen holding commercial fishing permits direct them. Also, each individual boat must hold a license for commercial fishing. The average age of the fishing boats is around20 years.

45 The Fishing Vessel Register is managed by the National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture (NAFA)

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Table 2: Fleet segment of the Danube Delta46

Area

Number Added tonnage

Added engine power (kW)

Danube 1,333 1,715.76 2,144.46 Danube Delta (2008 data)

923 670.25 2,882.94

TOTAL for 2008 2,256 2,386.01 5,027.40 Danube Delta (2009 data)

1,219 There are no available data

There are no available data

Trawlers are forbidden in the delta. In addition, the area near the Black Sea Coast up to the 20 m isobaths is also forbidden for fishing vessels using towed gears. There are different types of fishing gears for the active and passive fisheries in Danube Delta. Fixed fishing gears include equipment in particular for catching fish that migrates for spawning and feeding in shallow waters (long lines, bottom lines, gill nets). The only gears allowed in the Danube Delta are: rods, gillnets and vintire (a kind of pot). Fixed or towed gears are allowed using small wooden boats. No mechanized fishing is used in inland waters.

4.2 Fish stock status In the Danube Delta, ichthyofauna includes about 136 species, mostly freshwater and migratory species. Of the total number of fish species inventoried in the Danube Delta, about 30 species are subject to commercial fishing. The most valued fish species for their economic value are mackerel, zander, catfish, carp, pike and gibel carp.

Figure 20 shows that in 2008, the freshwater species sustainably exploited47

46 Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Fishing Vessel Register, statistics as per 2008

were: gibel carp, catfish, zander, pike, asian cyprinides, tench, perch, silver bream, codling and asp. Fish species such as barbel, merlan, anchovy, raja and horse mackerel were officially unexploited, without records of catches been registered. These last fish species are mostly marine ones and do not have a significant share in the total volume of catches in the Danube Delta. The most important fish species that were overexploited in commercial fishing are: bream, roach, carp, roach as freshwater species, grey mullet as marine species and mackerel as migratory species. The total volume of catches for mackerel is 4 times higher than the MSY value.

47 Sustainable fish exploitation has been defined as catches not over passing the MSY established by the authorities, namely the National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority.

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Table 3: Stock status for fish species48

Species FAO Area

Management responsibility

MSY accordin

g to DDBRA (tonnes)

Stock status relative to

MSY (above, near, below, unknown)

Main management regulations affecting

the stock Fish species

Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) 37.4.2 DDBRA 2,155.00 Sustainable

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, 60 days, Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Freshwater species

Bream (Abramis brama) 37.4.2 DDBRA 481.30 Overexploited

Freshwater species

Roach (Rutilus rutilus) 37.4.2 DDBRA 158.00 Overexploited

Freshwater species

Catfish (Silurus glanis) 37.4.2 DDBRA 170.20 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Zander (Stizostedion lucioperca) 37.4.2 DDBRA 101.20 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Pike (Esox lucius)

37.4.2

DDBRA

97.30

Sustainable

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, 60 days, Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Freshwater species

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) 37.4.2 DDBRA 88.10 Overexploited

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, 60 days, Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Freshwater species

Asian cyprinides 37.4.2 DDBRA 44.80 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Tench (Tinca tinca) 37.4.2 DDBRA 23.40 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Perch (Perca fluviatilis) 37.4.2 DDBRA 20.80 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Silver Bream (Abramis bjoerkna) 37.4.2 DDBRA 6.60 Sustainable

Freshwater species

48 Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, section “Structure of fish species on categories”, page 167- 168, Tulcea, 2008

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Species FAO Area

Management responsibility

MSY accordin

g to DDBRA (tonnes)

Stock status relative to

MSY (above, near, below, unknown)

Main management regulations affecting

the stock Fish species

Codling (Vimba vimba) 37.4.2 DDBRA 8.40 Sustainable

Freshwater species

Barbel (Barbus barbus) 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.10 Unexploited

Freshwater species

Asp (Aspius aspius)

37.4.2

DDBRA

4.80

Sustainable

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, Restriction for mesh size, Protected fish as NATURA 2000

Freshwater species

Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.30

Overexploited

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, 60 days, Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Freshwater species

Sword lily (Pelecus cultratus)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.40

Sustainable

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, Restriction for mesh size, Protected fish as NATURA 2000

Freshwater species

Sturgeon (Acipenser)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.00

Prohibited species

In accordance wtih Order No. 262 on the conservation of sturgeon populations in natural waters and development of sturgeon aquaculture in Romania, this species has been forbidden for fishing during 2006-201649

Freshwater species

Grey mullet (Liza aurata)

37.4.2

DDBRA

7.30 Overexploited

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June, 60

Marine species

49 The Order No. 262/2006 was signed by the Ministry of Environment and Water and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development

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Species FAO Area

Management responsibility

MSY accordin

g to DDBRA (tonnes)

Stock status relative to

MSY (above, near, below, unknown)

Main management regulations affecting

the stock Fish species

Turbot (Psetta maxima) 37.4.2 DDBRA 4.40 Sustainable

days), Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Marine species

Shark (Squalus acanthias)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.10

Sustainable

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June and special prohibition during 15th March – 30th April, Limited vessel licences

Marine species

Merlan (Odontogadus merlangus)

37.4.2

DDBRA

1.80

Unexploited

Time closures: Fishing prohibition during 5th

April – 3rd June, 60 days, Restriction for mesh size, Limited vessel licences

Marine species

Anchovy (Engraulis encrassicholus)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.70

Unexploited

Marine species

Raja (Raja clarata)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.10

Unexploited

Marine species

Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.10

Unexploited

Marine species

Mackerel

37.4.2

DDBRA

143.80

Overexploited Time closures: Fishing

prohibition during 5th April – 3rd June), Restriction for mesh size, Protected fish as NATURA 2000

Migratory species

Shad (Alosa caspia nordmanni)

37.4.2

DDBRA

0.40

Sustainable

Migratory species

Commercial fishing is practiced in different areas of the Danube Delta, using specific methods and installations for each area. The fishing activity is restricted only under the prohibition period, 60 days per year.

Exploitation of fishery resources is based on an annual evaluation study on fishery resources, elaborated by Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority and endorsed by the Romanian Academy, the Natural Monuments Commission respectively. This study determines the total allowable catch for each fish species. However, six species of Acipenseriformes order (sturgeons) are strictly protected species under Governmental Order No. 330/262 published in the Official Journal No. 385/2006. Other important regulations assumed by the local authorities

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concerning a sustainable exploitation of fishery resource refer to: time closures, such as fishing prohibition, restrictions for mesh size for each fish species and gear (minimum mesh size is 2,4 cm), limited volume of catches and boat licenses, temporary fishing permits.

4.3 Fisheries infrastructure

The landing facilities in the Danube Delta include 6 harbors located in Tulcea, Sulina, Chilia Veche, Mahmudia, Sfântu Gheorghe and Caraorman, as well as landing facilities in almost all villages.

Figure 19: Location of Danube Delta harbours

Harbors in the Danube Delta.

Tulcea Harbor is the main port of the Danube Delta, administrated by the Maritime Danube Ports Administration, Galati branch. The company Delta NAV administrates the activities in Tulcea industrial port, Tulcea commercial port and Mahmudia port. The infrastructure of these ports is characterized by the following:

Tulcea industrial port Tulcea commercial port Mahmudia port

Number of pools: 1; Water depth: 3,0 m river berth

Number of pools: 1; Water depth: 3,0 m river

Number of pools: 1; Water Depth: 3,5 m river

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and 7,5 m maritime berth; Number of quays: 2 maritime berth and 1 river berth; Operational shores area: 7150 m2 on maritime area and 920 m2 on river area; Quay length: 230 m for sea berth and 100 m for river berth Passenger terminal: 100 m quay length; Access by car; Cranes quays: 3-20 tf / 32m / hook - 16 tf / 32 w / scoops; Pushers: 2; Storage capacity: 8600 sqm for maritime berth and 3000 sqm for river berth

berth; Number of quays: 3 river piers; Quay length: berth river - 300 m Access by car and railway; Cranes quays: 2-5 tf / 32m / scoops; 6.5 tf / 32 w / hook; Storage capacity: 15.000 sqm

berth; Number of quays: 9 berths river; Quay length: berth river - 980 m; Cranes quays: 3 1-12 tf / 32m / hook, 16 TF / 32 / scoops, 16 tf / 32 w / scoops, 20 TF / 32 / hook; 1 rotative machine; Pushers: 2; Storage capacity: 18.000 sqm

The Danube Delta is defined as the area between the 3 channels (or branches) of Danube River: Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe.

The Sulina Channel (length of 72 km and 18 m depth) accommodates only maritime navigation and is the most circulated channel for merchandise, passengers and tourism. There are 5 jetties located in Crişan, Mila 18, Gorgova, Maliuc, and Partizani, administrated by the Maritime Danube Ports Administration. Boat-houses for passengers and merchandise are located in other villages such as Mila 23, Ilganii de de Sus, Vulturu, Maliuc, Gorgova, Crişan, and Sulina Town.

The only harbour on Sulina Channel is located at the Danube mouth into the Black Sea. Sulina harbor is a port with a vertical quay of 3.340 m, 7 trestles and a pear quay of 2.600 m for bank protection. These port structures, positioned along the cliffs, provide conditions for ships and vessels berthing as well as for local traffic of goods and passengers. The infrastructure available in the harbor is as follows: 5 moorings with hydrants for drinking water, illuminated at night, facilities for power supply (250 kva), 3 cranes of 16 tonnes capacity, 2 cranes of 32 tonnes capacity, 2 river pushes of 840 HP capacity, 1 maritime pusher of 630 HP capacity, 2 barges, trucks, tractors and trailers.

60% of total catches is recorded in Sfântu Gheorghe Channel, exclusively used for fluvial transport, (25 – 26 meters depth and 113 km length). Two main harbors are located on the channel: (1) Mahmudia Harbor, located at 86-90 km on the right river side, with facilities for passenger and cargo operations, and (2) Sfântu Gheorghe Harbor, positioned on the left side of the channel, and operating various fishing facilities.

Chilia Channel accommodates marine navigation up to Izmail (Padina) and passenger ships up to Periprava. The main villages with landing facilities on Chilia Channel are Chilia Veche,

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Patlageanca, Ceatalchioi, Plaur, Pardina, Tatanir, Periprava, Salceni. There are 2 harbors, Chilia Veche Harbor located at 43-46 km on the right side of the channel, and Caraorman Harbor. These ports are also administrated by the Maritime Danube Ports Administration. Caraorman Harbour includes an important fishing facility from which fish is transported to Tulcea and Murighiol. Chilia Veche Harbor includes a passenger facility with 160 m landing jetty and a commercial port with 110 m landing jetty and 1,004 m2 area for food warehouse.

Shipyards in the Danube Delta. Shipyards are located within all important harbors, and provide the necessary services for workshops, machines, tools and devices for repairing and/or building ships.

In Tulcea Town, 3 main companies offer shipyard services: STX Europe Tulcea, Aker Tulcea and Practic Nav TC.

STX Europe Tulcea shipyard is located at 39.5 nautical miles on the right side of the Danube, upstream from Tulcea, being the most recent shipyard in Romania and offering naval construction services, conversions and repairs. Its facilities accommodate 4 ships under construction simultaneously.

In 2000, Aker Tulcea S.A. modernized the old shipyard to offer various facilities such as: syncrolift with 150 m length, 25,4 m width and 6.500 tonnes lifting capacity, with a speed of 22 cm/min, transfer platform on rail for vessels building, more than 1500 m quay for up to 6 simultaneous berthing of vessels, covered halls, mounting tabs, assembly hall, 2 blasting hall painting, automatic welding equipment and modern semi-automatic, detailed design capacity with specialized personnel and professional software design and 75 ha total area. The main boats and ships that can be repaired/built are as follows: oil and chemical tankers up to 1,400 TEU container vessel, multipurpose vessels, supply vessels, and other types of vessels for the offshore industry, freezer trawlers and coastal fishing vessels, medium ferries, and barges.

Practic Nav TC is a shipyard which the main facilities and services are as follows: building of vessels, river boats, ship repair (up to 80 tonnes), metallic installations for ships, selling ships, manufacture of ship furniture.

Other facilities in Tulcea harbor include: vessel maintenance facilities, warehouse cleaning and storage space for ships, 41 operating berth, railway national connection, passengers’ terminal, facilities for storage of goods (open platform), port equipment for the operation of ships, waste reception facilities for ships, grain silo and customs services.

Sulina Shipyard is positioned on the left side of Sulina Channel, which has a release–lift hold of 2,000 tonnes, a quay for arming – disarming ships of up to 15,000 tdw and lift–launch ships hold of 4,500 tdw for horizontal repairs. The shipyard does not have specific facilities for landing, storage, selling the fishing products or repair/maintainance of ships and water, gas and ice supply.

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4.4 Details of the local catching sub-sector

The Danube Delta accounts for 80% of the total fish catches at national level. Out of the total number of fish species identified in the Delta (136), 30 species of freshwater, marine and migratory fish are subject to commercial fishing, as follows: perch, bream, roach, carp, mackerel, pike and gibel carp. Fishing is carried out as a main, full-time occupation, often developed by professional fishermen. In some cases, it is a subsistence activity for people who have insufficient income from other sources.

Fish catches in the Danube Delta concern 3 types of fish species: freshwater, migratory and marine species. In the past 5 years, the total volume of catches of freshwater species has increased, thus in 2007 the total volume was equal to 3,485 tonnes of fish, while the volume of catches of migratory species decreased by 5% every year over the last 3 years. The main catches of freshwater species are gibel carp, pike and perch, while for migratory species the mackerel is the most popular.

Figure 20: Volume of fish by group species50

In 2008, the total volume of fish landings was 2,507 tonnes, 32% lower than in 2007, even though in the last years an increasing trend has been recorded. Gibel carp dominates the catches in terms of value (€3.304 million in 2008) and volume (826 tonnes in 2008). Although bream catches are two times higher in volume (544 tonnes in 2008), the catches of mackerel are three times more valuable (€3.864 million in 2008). The catches of bream and other freshwater species are mostly registered in Razelm-Sinoe Complex51

In the last 10 years, the total landings by the local fleet have shown an increase of 26%, from 2,688 tonnes in 2003 to 3,639 tonnes in 2007. In 2008, the total volume of landings recorded a decreasing trend (2,507 tonnes in 2008), due to the economic crisis and the changes in the

, during May-July when the bream migration is taking place.

50 Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, page 167-168, 2008 51 In the proximity of Danube Delta

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administration of fishery resources52

Taking as baseline the year 1970, the total volume of roach and rudd dropped in 2005 from 4,000 tonnes to less than 200, while the pike catches decreased from 2,200 tonnes to less than 100. Similar trends are recorded also for other groups of fish species such as carp, perch, mackerel and tench. Over time, the allowable catch for commercial fishing has dropped and many sturgeon species were endangered. Thus, in 2006 the Ministry for Agriculture and Ministry for Environment and Water issued a joint order prohibiting commercial fishing of sturgeon species until 2016, as well as selling the products obtained from sturgeons caught in Romania. Also, the order concerns the use of fishing gears or any equipment for sturgeon’s catches in Romanian fisheries.

. The strongest reductions are related to bream, mackerel and carp, while the other species have had a constant dynamic over the time. In the last 10 years the gibel carp catches increased with more than 15% every year, while the others species like bream, mackerel and carp have diminished with 10,5-12% every year.

Figure 21: Trends in volume landings (tonnes)53

With regards to prices of fish at first sale, the production in value recorded an increasing trend until 2005 – the peak moment, with a total value of €2.8 million and decreased after. Figure 25 shows that the largest fish species catches in recent years is gibel carp, with a total value of €1.37 million.

52 In 2008 the fish resources management passed from DDBRA to NAFA. The records of fish catches have reduced dramatically, leading to expansion of poaching. Due to unreported catches the statistics of fish catches are not according to the reality.

53 Source: NAFA, statistics as per May 2010

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Figure 22: Trends in value landings54

In 2008, the first sale price of 1 kg of mackerel was of 1.88 €/kg (even lower during the migration period May-July), the same price as for carp. The gibel carp is sold at 0.94 €/kg and the perch at 2.35 €/kg. Thus, the species showing the highest value are perch, mackerel and pike, with a total contribution of 47% in the total income of landings. Figure 26 indicates that the prices increased over time, except for mackerel, which decreased due to the large volume of fish stocks in the last 2 years. The environmental report on Danube Delta shows that mackerel is the only fish species being overexploited: recorded catches are 4 times higher than the MSY of 143,800 catches. The catches of others species such as gibel carp, zander, pike and turbot are 2 times lower than the maximum allowable capacity and others such as barbell, raja or anchovy are unexploited.

Regarding the prices, the main issues encountered by the local fisherman is the fact that the price at second sale is three times higher than the one at first sale, thus contributing, overall, to a decreasing trend in fish demand55

54 Source: NAFA, statistics as per May 2010

. The decrease in price and levels of landings in the last year represent another important factor in the crisis for the local fishing sub-sector.

55 Source: NAFA, “Commercial fishing in inland waters”, 2008

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Figure 23: Trends in price of species56

Referring to the fishing gears used, the fishermen prefer fixed or mobile gears. The main gears restricted in the Danube Delta are cast net and multiple fishing-net57

Table 4: Main gears used for commercial fishing

. The only gears allowed are: rods, gillnets and winds, with a productivity of 0.1-0.5 tonnes/gear per year.

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Fish species Used gear / Locations Comments Star sturgeon Acipenser stellatus

Sturgeon nets and long lines. Nowadays there is a prohibition for sturgeons

Reduced fish stock. It is the species that has the largest share in sturgeon commercial fishing, being on second place after beluga. Currently its fishing is prohibited.

Russian sturgeon Acipenser guldenstaedti

Gillnets are the gears most used. This species is accidentally caught

The total volume of catches decreased due to irrational fishing, until stocks were exhausted.

Beluga Huso huso

Sturgeon nets and long lines. Fishing with long lines is today prohibited in the Danube Delta

Most catches are recorded in the Danube mouth coastal area, close to Sf. Gheorghe. Currently its fishing is prohibited.

Mackerel Alosa pontica

It is caught in the Black Sea, in smaller quantities, near the seines installed for anchovy and sprat. The largest share is caught in the Danube, during the breeding migration period, using nets

Fishing takes place throughout the migration period.

Shad Same gear as for mackerel It is caught together with mackerel, thus

56 Source: NAFA, statistics as per May 2010 57 According to Governmental Order no. 226/07.04.2008 58 Source: Petre Gâştescu, “Fish Atlas in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published by Tulcea Technological Information Center, 2007

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Fish species Used gear / Locations Comments Alosa caspia nordmanni

its volume of catches is not highlighted.

Black sea Sprat Sprattus sprattus

It has the largest share in marine fisheries. It can be caught in seines, near the shore. It is recorded at the collection point as breeze sea fish.

In the last years, fishing is based on vessels equipped with sonar in order to detect cards and trawls in remote areas and deeper offshore (up to 20 m). The catches are much larger than those obtained with fishing net.

Anchovy Engraulis encrassicholus

The second most important species for commercial fishing in the Black Sea, after the Black Sea sprat.

Because of pollution / eutrophication, the intensity of migration toward shores was significantly reduced, thus the catches decreased.

Pike Esox lucius

Species of economic interest; it is fished in lakes and channels in autumn period, using winds, seines, gillnets and trawls as gear.

Due to eutrophication and overexploitation, the quantities caught reduced significantly.

Bream Abramis brama

It can be caught in freshwaters in autumn, using wind, gillnets, seines and trawls.

There are annual fluctuations of the total volume of landings. It is confused with silver bream.

Asp Aspius aspius

It can be caught during spring, along with mackerel, using gillnets, and in swamps using gillnets, seines, trawls and wind.

There are large quantities in the delta. Unexploited species.

Carp Cyprinus carpio

It can be caught using winds, seines, trawls and gillnets.

Reduced quantities.

Roach Rutilus rutilus

It can be caught in ponds and channels, using wind, gillnets and seines.

Medium-sized species with significant weight in commercial fishing.

Tench Tinca tinca

It can be caught using wind, seines and gillnets. Trawl it is not used.

Declining fish stock

Sheat fish Silurus glanis

It can be caught in lakes and channels, using winds, seines and gillnets.

-

Merlan Odontogadus merlangus

Marine fishing nets are used, especially in spring and summer.

Low quality of meat

Perch Perca perca

Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are used.

Due to eutrophication and overexploitation, the catches reduced significantly.

Pike perch Perca fluviatilis

Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are used.

-

Crucian carp Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are Even though in the past gibel carp was

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Fish species Used gear / Locations Comments Carassius gibelio

used. The largest amounts are caught in Delta’s lakes.

not subject of commercial fishing, currently this fish species has one of the largest shares in the total volume of catches in Danube Delta.

The Danube Delta fleet is characterized by small boats made of wood, served by 1-2 professional fishermen. The total number of registered fishermen is 1,500, showing an increasing trend. The new rules of issuing fishing permits, which does not restrict upon used gears, have generated an increasing fishing capacity. The adult persons represent 43% from the total labour force. In addition, 4,500 family fishermen have the right to fish 3 kg/per capita (family member) daily. Annually, the licensed fishermen catch 3,000 tonnes and family fishermen 3,400 tonnes.

Figure 24: Employment dynamics in commercial fishing sub-sector (structure by age group of labour force)59

Furthermore, the fishing activity allows for two types of fishing in the delta: (1) active fishing with trawls and assets, during 15th September – 1st April on large water surfaces in the extended area of DD; (2) passive fishing with vintire (pots), seines or gillnets during 15th June – 31st March. In addition, fishing with seines is practiced especially in July-September, in large areas. Overall, the fishing activity takes place all year round, except the prohibited period of 60 days per year, and is generally greatest in autumn.

In conclusion, the overall analysis of current situation of catching sub-sector identifies a non-balanced picture: commercial catches are in decline, the fishing activity has slowed down its growing trend due to authorities applying procedures limiting the accessibility to fisheries (number of licenses and gears), and poaching on the black market is growing.

59 Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics as per May 2010

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4.5 Details of the local processing and marketing sub-sector

Marketing

Referring to the local fish market, the specific of fishing activity in the Danube Delta is that there are only individual fishermen (over 1,500) fishing and selling the fish to collecting organizations and/or processing & trading companies. Fishermen are organized into 28 organizations of fishermen that are grouped into 5 federations and associations. Three of these federations represent the fishermen fishing in the Delta, while 2 represent fishermen fishing in the Black Sea. The fishermen are authorized both by Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority and National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture, while in areas considered of cross—border impact, they also have to hold a permit issued by the Cross-Border Police.

The state contribution to the fish collecting centres is insignificant, unlike public centres in other European countries ensuring fair competitive measures. Fish collecting centers are traditionally built of indigenous materials; the thatched roof provides good thermal isolation, especially during summer when the high temperature may cause fish spoilage. The chillers the fish are stored in function with ice transported from Tulcea.

The most important fish collecting point is located in Caraorman – Crişan area, the place where the fish caught from many lakes is collected. Other main fish collecting centers are located in Tulcea, Sfântu Gheorghe and Murighiol.

There are no fish auctions in Romania.

The distribution of fish is carried out through a variety of channels. Most of the fish goes through at least two successive economic operators before being sold to the consumer60

. This system usually involves the producer selling directly to an independent retailer or through an intermediary. The fish wholesale market is very limited in Danube Delta, resulting in many short-link marketing chains and high costs for transport and distribution. Domestic supply of fish is covered by inland and marine capture, as well as by freshwater aquaculture, being constrained by the climate conditions and also by fishing restrictions during the spawning period.

Processing

Since 1990, fish canneries in the DD have gradually reduced their production, until most of them have ceased their activity entirely. Since 2000, some new processing units have been created and there is important company renewal rates recorded in the last 10 years, as well as short company lifespan. Currently, the processing sub-sector in Danube Delta is generally managed by entrepreneurs involved in the catching sub-sector and as ships owners.

60 Source: Petre Gastescu, “Fish Atlas in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published by Tulcea Technological Information Center, 2007

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As regards the processing industry at national level, over 2,180 processing units are organized under 44 processors’ organizations and one Federation of Fish Producers. Only six major units of fish processing are located in Tulcea County, concentrated in Tulcea, Murighiol, and Jurilovca. Other companies registered with the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture as processing units or producers are involved in fish packaging and/or freezing for retail purposes. The low demand for certain fish species such as turbot and silver bream, during their fishing season, requires actions for their preserving. In 2009, the total volume of fish and fish products processed and preserved at national level was of 31,996 tonnes, of which 4,324 tonnes was produced in rural areas (13.5% of total). The current decreasing trend in processed fish production in the Danube Delta opposes the national records. There are no data available on the total volume and value of processed fish in DD, but the qualitative impression from interviews with local companies in the processing industry indicates a decrease. The processing industry uses frozen or fresh fish, preserved in ice or salted, as raw material. The main species processed in the Danube Delta are carp (90% of the locally processed fish), gibel carp and mackerel. Generally, processing companies have their own supply channels, as they collect the fish through their own collecting points from the fishing organizations or licensed individuals, process it and sell it through their distribution network or other retailers. The total quantity of processed fish fluctuates based on prohibited periods, fishing areas and also by the season: in summer, when the air temperature is high the total volume of catches decreases and the fish cannot be preserved in secure conditions, while in winter, fishing is practiced only through holes in the ice that has been formed above rivers or ponds.

Table 5: Fish processing units61

Company name

Main species

Total annual processing capacity

Type Main products

Number of employees / Turnover

Location

Wela LTD Total, from which: Crucian Carp Pike Mackerel Roach Catfish

600 tonnes, from which: 16,8 tonnes 2,4 tonnes 3,6 tonnes 4,8 tonnes 4,8 tonnes 4,8 tonnes

They collect the fish directly from the fishing organizations and then trade it through own commercial store

fresh fish

Employees: 20-30 full-time Turnover: 33.000 €

Tulcea

Fisheries Romdelta LTD

Sturgeons

prohibited fish species until 2016

processing unit

fresh fish Employees: 15 full-time Turnover: -

Tulcea

61 Source: Internal registrations of interviewed processing companies

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Company name

Main species

Total annual processing capacity

Type Main products

Number of employees / Turnover

Location

Ecofish LTD

Total, from which: Bream Crucian Sprat Mackerel

1.760 tonnes

processing unit

shellfish, seafood, marinated fish, fresh fish, frozen fish, frog, fish salad, egg salad

Employees: 115 full-time Turnover: 1.518.895€

Jurilovca

Black Sea Sturgeron LTD

Total, from which: Carp Gibel carp Mullet Perch Codling

They’ve stopped their activity

processing unit

Employees:12 full-time Turnover: 301.479 €

Sf. Gheorghe

Danubiu RO

Total, from which: Bream Crucian Sprat Mackerel

2.200 tonnes processing unit

canned fish, both freshwater and saltwater, in olive oil, tomato sauce, mustard sauce

Employees:51 full-time Turnover: 267 265 €

Sulina

San Stel Mar LTD

Gibel carp Catfish Bream Phytophagous

108 tonnes 12 tonnes 6 tonnes

They collect the fish directly from the fishing organizations and then trade it through own commercial store

fresh fish only turbot is frozen, because there are not so many orders

Employees: 5 full-time 2 during seasonal fishing Turnover: 20.000 €

Sulina

The main problems as perceived by the processing industry relate to the fish sale price and the fish demand at national level. Thus, the total demand for fish at national level is only 3.9 kg/per capita,62

unlike other European countries where the quantity consumed can reach 24-25 kg/per capita.

Most of the products of the processing units located in the Danube Delta or in its proximity are canned fish, caviar, fillets or fish meat.

62 Source: European Comission, DG MARE, “Facts and figures on the CFP”, 2008, page 22

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The selling price of fish and fish products is influenced by the specific conditions of the Danube Delta. Thus, in 2002, the fishery resources were allocated only to authorized fisheries, processing factories and a network of shops, and in practical terms the distribution channel is was owned entirely by a few companies. Thus, fishermen are forced to sell the fish at very low prices, and currently, the price at first sale is three times lower than the retail price. The storing and transport activities of fresh fish from the Delta contribute directly to differentials between landed and retail prices. This is why the prices are not competitive on the free market, where a fish product cost around 3 euro63

. Similar, the price for Romanian canned fish is double compared to similar products from import.

Referring to employment in fishing processing units, most of the firms hire temporary workers during the fishing season, namely April-October. In 2008, the ratio of processing employees to the overall number of fishery employees was 6% (people). As a conclusion, the overall analysis indicates that the main weakness of the processing industry in the delta are related to a low demand for fish and fish processed products (3.9 kg/per capita), difficult access to bank credit, first sale centers insufficiently equipped, poor organization of producers, high production costs, lack of bulk market for fish, low diversity of fishery products and reduced competitiveness on the EU market with specific products64

Thus, the main trends that shape the processing industry in the Delta refer to: .

There are extremely few fish processing companies in the Delta because most of the Danube Delta’s localities are isolated areas, thus the storage and transport costs are very high. Also, the lack of educated people in Danube Delta is a constraint given legal requirements impose for specialized/qualified personnel in the food industry;

Small producers stopped their activity; large producers are better equipped to deal with sanitary and quality requirements;

Hypermarkets offer a very wide range of products including: carp, gibel carp, trout, pike, perch, as local fishes and salmon, mackerel, sea bream, sea wolf, live crab, lobster, snails or mussels, calamari, as well as bulk frozen fish, salted and smoked fish, caviar, marinated fish, salads, fish and eggs;

The biggest quantities of processed fish consumed are imported.

4.6 Details of the local aquaculture sector Over 60 ha of aquaculture sites are currently under operation in Romania, a decrease of 40% compared to 1990. Thirty (30) aquaculture sites, with a total area of 45.492 ha, operate in the Danube Delta, thus accounting for 75.82% of the total national capacity. Many of the aquaculture sites operate extensive systems, with a production up to 500 kg per hectare. Carp is the main fish species with the largest volume of production in aquaculture activity, while a aquaculture site can produce at least 2,000-3,000 kg per hectare. In 2009 the total production

63 Source: National Institute for Research and Development in Danube Delta 64 Source: National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture

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was 1,082 tonnes with a total value of €1.493 million. In 2006-2009, the available data show a decrease of 0.05% in the total volume of aquaculture production and an increase of 24% in the total value for aquaculture sub-sector, due to rising prices/kg for products. The main fish species for fish farming are: carp, silver carp and bighead carp, representing 80% of the total volume of aquaculture production.

Figure 25: Volumes and value from aquaculture

Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics as per May 2010 Several aspects explain to the decreasing trend in the total volume of aquaculture production recorded in recent years.

1. The privatization process of the fishery fund influenced the total costs of aquaculture sites and the volumes reached so far. Although the production decreased, the total value of production increased, due to high selling prices. The producers practice a high selling price due to the higher costs in aquaculture that include an annual amount rate paid to Tulcea County for the land leased and high electricity costs, water supply and transport. Also, the financial capacity of small producers in aquaculture is small because this activity needs a large capital investment and the amount is recovered within 5-10 years thereafter.

2. The extensive system is also a major constraint in the aquaculture sub-sector. At national level, only 15% of the total production is represented by local fish species.

3. The aquaculture activity decreased in the last 20 years due to inefficient and poor economic results: many of the aquaculture sites designed to produce fish for consumption reduced or stopped their activity (aquaculture sites in Rusca, Litcov, Popina). The aquaculture activities are mostly based on extensive fish growth technology, with smaller productions and a mixture of fish species, based on a bigger contribution of the natural environment. Many of the existing aquaculture facilities became agricultural lands, which led to the reduction of water surface features such as amenities. However, the positive trend registered in the recent years shows that fishing

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activity has developed not by increasing the allowable catch, but by increasing the pressure on the natural resources65

4. Labor force constraints. Compared to the commercial fishing sector, both permanent and seasonal labor is used in aquaculture. The permanent employees increased by more than 26% in the last 4 years, while the seasonal labor force decreased by 16%, thus resulting an increased trend in employment in aquaculture sub-sector. Only 10 women are employed in aquaculture sub-sector. Most of the employed people are men, with an age over 30, thus resulting an ageing labor force. 33% have completed secondary education and only 12% have higher education.

.

Figure 26: Employment dynamics in aquaculture sub-sector and structure by age group of the

employees in aquaculture sub-sector66

Also of note is that a wild caught sturgeon has been regulated by a ten year prohibition period in the Danube Delta, until 2016. Aquaculture of sturgeon has developed as a stock protection measure and provides the market with the necessary volume of fish and caviar. Currently, there are no specialized sturgeon farms, at commercial level, with one exception: Isaccea fish farm, Tulcea County, where sturgeons are raised in floating cages in lakes. Another noticeable trend is the interest for an integrated approach, major fish producers having their own fish farms of sturgeons, gibel carp or carp. Furthermore, referring to the aquaculture sub-sector, currently 26 aquaculture sites, of which 10 operating with the extensive system and 16 using intensive systems are located in different areas of the Danube Delta, but more than 12,500 ha of aquaculture are abandoned territories. The aquaculture companies are registered with the Fish Farms Register, within the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture. The Register issues an aquaculture license. In Danube Delta there are 5 licensed aquaculture companies, of which 2 companies include hatcheries.

65 Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, page 162 – 164, Tulcea, 2008 66 Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics as per May 2010

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Aquaculture sites are currently grouped into 3 distinct categories, based on their technical characteristics, as well as economic activity.

Table 6: Current status of aquaculture sites 67

Functional sites

Sites with deficiencies (proposed for infrastructure rehabilitation)

Non-functional sites (proposed for environmental reconstruction )

Sarinasuf, Iazurile, 6 Martie, Lunca, Babadag, Tauc, Dranov- Ghiol

Litcov, Obretin I, Ceamurlia II (Sarica), Caraorman, Topraichioi

Maliuc, Rusca, Chilia I, Chilia II (Hreblea), Popina, Stipoc, Ceamurlia I, Obretin II, Enisala (ECo+1, ECo+2, ECo+3), Carasuhat II, Grădina Olandezului, Dunavăţ I, Dunavăţ II, Holbina I, Holbina II, Perişor, Periteşca

4.7 Details of the local ancillary sub-sector The ancillary sub-sector includes 2 companies involved in the repair and maintenance of ships and boats located in the Danube Delta. The total value of sales in ancillary sub-sector is thought to have remained stable. Similar to the fishing and fish processing sub-sectors, difficulties are encountered in recruiting reliable staff, with expertise. The ancillary sector is related to the information provided in section “4.3. Fisheries infrastructure”, but there are no data available on turnover or employment. Moreover, as mentioned in the section “3.4. Local development plans”, the local authorities will develop projects for fishing harbours in DD, especially in Murighiol and Sulina, thus providing a further development of fisheries infrastructure. With the modernization of fishing boats, new units will open for maintenance and repair of ships, which will specialize and contribute to the development of this sector, compared with the present situation where the catching fleet is limited to wooden boats maintained mainly by their owners. Thus, the trend that will shape the development of this sector is related to the fisheries infrastructure. Traditional fishing is by far the most important economic activity, and traditions are maintained through a mix of elements, such as legislation forbidding mechanised fishing, low income leading to low modernisation of fishing facilities, poaching as an alternative income. Fishing infrastructure and ancillary activities are outdated while investments rely on European funding that are difficult to access as the Fishery Operational Programme has been lagging behind the schedule with at least 2 years, and credits are very costly. There are no other available data concerning the main trends of this sub-sector.

67 Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, September 2005

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5. Governance

5.1 Key local institutions

Fishing sector representatives

1. Licensed fishermen are represented at local and national level by the Federation of Danube Delta Fishermen, founded in 2002. This structure represents the interests of 44 organizations of 1,500 professional fishermen working in the Danube Delta and selling fish to 26 fish collection points. The following table presents the most important of these fishermen organizations:

Table 7: Main fishermen organizations68

Fish collection points

Fishermen organization Member fishermen

Sarichioi Producer Organization 29 Sabangia SAFISH fishermen association 21 Dunavăţ Fishermen Organization 30 Sfântu Gheorghe Danube-Black Sea Fish Producers

Organization 84

Mila 23 IOROM Fishermen Organization 11 Grindu Kaviar-Grindu Association 120 Mila 23 SOMOTELUL Producer Organization 18 Mila 23 MOST Fishermen Organization 16 Chilia Fish Producer Organization 6 Holbina HOLBINA-RAZIM Fishermen Organization 13 Crişan DELTA Fishermen Organization 205 Crişan NAVODUL Producer Organization 32 Sulina Fishermen Producer Organization 68 Popina-Holbina POPINA Producer’s Organization 12 Tulcea VULTURU PLESUV Producer’s Organization 12 Sulina Fishermen Organization 67 Jurilovca RAZIM Fish Producers 178 Iazurile MARIVAS Fishermen Organization 14 Murighiol Murighiol Fishermen Organization 56 Matita-Merhei Fishermen Producers Organization 53 Sulina CHEFALUL Fishermen Producers

Organization 15

Sf. Gheorghe BLACK SEA Producer’s Organization 28 Plopu Fishermen Organization 11 Mahmudia Mahmudia Producer’s Organization 8

68 Source: National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture, section “Commercial Fishing – List of fishermen organizations, Tulcea”, 2009

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Gorgova PESCAR ACTIV Organization 62 Turtucoaia Fishermen association 82 Macin Fishermen organization 33 Tulcea ESSOX LUCIUS Producer’s Organization 4 Crişan RECHINUL Producer’s Organization 56

2. The interests of fish processors are defended by the Federation of Danube Delta Fish Producers.

3. The interests of companies in fishing and aquaculture are represented by the Employers’ Association of Private Companies in Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Exploitation in Danube Delta, Razelm-Sinoe and Black Sea.

4. National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) has responsibilities in monitoring the fisheries sector at the national level in terms of fishing and aquaculture, and the fish processing industry. NAFA is responsible for proposing and implementing strategies and the legal framework for the fishing sector in Romania, for implementing the Common Fisheries Policy in Romania. Also, the agency issues fishing licenses, permits for commercial fishing and authorizations for ship boats.

5. Two main associations represent the interests of sport fishermen: Hunting and Sport Fishing Association and the National Federation of Sport Fishing in Romania (NFSFR). Hunting and Sport Fishing Association was founded in 1919 and its main role is to support the biodiversity and protection of wildlife in relation to hunting and fishing interests, as well as wildlife natural environment development. NFSFR regulate and organize sport fishing competitions, inter alia.

Environmental sector

1. In accordance with Law No. 317/2009, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration (DDBRA) is the resource manager of Danube Delta and also the body that regulates fishing activities in the Delta area in order to promote sustainable economic activities in full compliance with the environment. DDBRA is responsible for environmental, biodiversity, and fish stock monitoring actions, for development and protection strategies, issuing the environmental authorizations for all economic activities in the Reserve. DDBRA is also responsible for monitoring non-commercial/commercial fishing activities and issuing sport fishing permits.

2. “Save Danube and the Delta” Association is the most visible and active environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to Danube Delta (and Danube River). Its main source of funding is the private sector. The projects undertaken by the association aim at the following objectives: to promote environmentally friendly actions, carrying out concrete actions to protect the Delta, and promoting environmentally responsible attitudes.

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General development of fishing communities

In June 2010 the first official Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) was registered under the name of LOCAL GROUP - Association for Sustainable Fishing in Danube Delta. FLAG’s founding members are the following: RO-Pescador Association (association of marine fishing), main founder, and Tulcea County Council, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, Black Sea-Sf. Gheorghe Association, Save Danube and the Delta Association, Association of Fishermen “Rechinul” Crişan, Federation of Fishermen in the Danube Delta, Federation of Fish Producers Organizations in Danube Delta and Sulina Local Council. The main criteria for membership were their representativeness in terms of expertise in developing strategies, analysis and community development projects, experience in development and implementation of sustainable development actions, ecological restoration, construction and infrastructure rehabilitation, experience in managing international, European and internal funds, and common understanding in terms of problems the area is facing with. 60% of the shareholders are from the private sector and 40% from the public sector.

The FLAG geographical coverage reaches beyond Danube Delta, namely the entire Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve located in Tulcea County. The following communities are covered by the FLAG: Sfântu Gheorghe, Maliuc, Crişan, Chilia Veche, CA Rosetti, Pardina, Ceatalchioi, Sulina, and surrounding areas: Grindu, Vacareni, Luncavita, Isaccea town, Somova- village Mineri, Parches, Nufăru - villages Victoria, Ilganii de Jos, Beştepe, Mahmudia, Murighiol – village Uzlina, Dunavăţu de Jos, Dunavăţu de Sus, Plopu village, Sarnasuf village, Nucarilor Valley, Sarichioi – village Enisala, Jurilovca – village Salcioara, Ceamurlia de de Jos, up to the 20 isobath in the Black Sea, as well as Tudor Vladimirescu and Zagan villages belonging to Tulcea Town, yet their residents practice fishing as the main economic activity.

The association aims to develop and implement a local strategy in order to promote a competitive, modern and dynamic fishery sector, based on sustainable fishing and aquaculture activities, taking in account all aspects of environmental, social and economic welfare. Its main objectives refer to:

• Developing competitiveness and sustainability of the fisheries sector; • Sustainable exploitation of local resources; • Promotion of environmental quality in the area; • Product-market development of the fisheries sector; • Creating new jobs in accordance with the principle of equal opportunities; • Support sustainable development of fisheries areas and improve quality of life in these

areas, by raising living standards and keeping young people in the area; • Promotion of national and transnational cooperation in the Danube Delta region; • Research studies and promoting new technologies.

The main expected results of the FLAG’s activities, in the long term, are: (1) to support the development of eco-tourism based on sport and catch and release fishing and cultural tourism in order to value the historical monuments in the area, (2) to support the development of tourism infrastructure in order to ensure quality services for the population such as medical assistance, barbering, cosmetics, sewing and shoemaker; (3) to support the development of new touristic

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units in accordance with the specific of the Delta and to realize panels and indicators for main touristic attractions; (4) to create new jobs by acquiring new occupational skills, entrepreneurship development, small business support (family associations), promote the recruitment of workers in the fisheries sector; (5) to rehabilitate the infrastructure in terms of extension of water supply and sewerage, wastewater treatment design and completion of sewage, implementing the integrated waste management strategy, modernizing the port capacity for Sfântu Gheorghe, Murighiol, Sarichioi and Tulcea, arrangement of berthing points for small capacity vessels or tourism boats; (6) ecosystems conservation and balanced use of renewable natural resources through diversifying the economic activities.

In conclusion, the low involvement of public participation and partnership between stakeholders is a major problem that the area is facing. Thus, there are a small number of non-governmental partners in the area with low involvement in the local community, as well as a lack of national and local public funding for development.

5.2 Public intervention

From 2000 until now, authorities and also the private sector have made investments in order to boost the Danube Delta economy. Most of the objectives of the projects concern the inhabitants’ standard of life by creating a general infrastructure, public and private services and, in the same time, protecting the natural environment. Their efforts can be measured by the impact of the implemented projects.

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Table 8: Public intervention assessment

Public investment

Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment intended to achieve?

What were the outcomes (or expected outcomes)

1.Rural Development Project in Tulcea County

World Bank Co-financing: local funds of 20 local councils

€8,960,000 In this project, 20 selected municipalities will develop and implement 1-2 local infrastructure projects, based on the priorities set in their development strategies. The project aims rural development of Tulcea County, through:

20 investment projects in water supply systems

18 investments projects in rural roads rehabilitation

End-date: 2007

Improving rural infrastructure and living conditions

20 new water supply systems 18 rehabilitated roads

2. Project for infrastructure development and sports utilities in rural areas

General Secretary of Government State budget Under the program “Infrastructure development and sports utilities in rural areas” by GO no. 7/2006

N/A The purpose of the project is to increase the living standards of Tulcea inhabitants by improving the water supply and sewerage infrastructure as well as sport utilities. Integrated project, with a direct impact on 15 localities of Tulcea county.

The works mentioned refer only to Danube Delta areas.

Water and sewerage infrastructure: Construction of the sewerage system and

central wastewater treatment station in Crişan, Murighiol and Mahmudia;

Sports utilities: Construction of a sports field in Chilia Veche

3. Water supply management in Tulcea villages

Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism State budget Under the program “Water supply for villages” approved by GD no. 577/1997

N/A The project purpose is to increase the economic and social development, by improving rural access roads, with the final result improve the quality of life in villages

The works mentioned refer only to Danube Delta areas.

Water supply for Baltenii de Sus village, Beştepe locality

Water supply for Ilganii de Sus, Maliuc locality

4. Power supply for Tulcea

Ministry of Economic, Trade and Business

N/A The purpose of the project is to improve utilities and general

The works mentioned refer only to Danube

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Public investment

Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment intended to achieve?

What were the outcomes (or expected outcomes)

villages State budget Electrification Program 2007-2009 approved by GD no. 328/2007

infrastructure by expanding low voltage overhead line electrification in 9 villages and power supply works in 4 villages.

Delta areas.

Extension of low voltage overhead line in Baltenii de Sus village, Beştepe locality Extension of low voltage overhead line in Beştepe village, Beştepe locality

5. Modernized road network in Murighiol, Tulcea

European Union, Tulcea County Council.

€20,000,000

Impact road improvements for the local community and tourism. End-date: August 2010

Access road to Murighol, Tulcea

6. „Danube Delta Eco-tourist Center” Poject

PHARE CBC 2004 Romania – Ukraine Program Applicant: Tulcea Local County Partners: DDBRA, Eco-Museum Research Institute Tulcea, Ukrainian Danube Reserve Administration and Tourism Information Center in the Lower Danube Vilkovo/ Odessa.

€1,240,325 The project aims to create sustainable facilities across borders Romania-Ukarine for tourism development in order to promote natural, cultural and social heritage of Danube Delta Modernizing and equipping the Eco-tourist Danube Delta Museum Center Promote ecotourism development in the Danube Delta, both in Romania and Ukraine End-date: November 2008

The biggest Aquarium in Romania and one of the biggest centers in South-Eastern Europe Visitors number increased with 40% Social and cultural coherence strengthened by cooperative actions between people and communities Promotional materials of Danube Delta Conferences and seminars organized on tourism development The center is fully-equipped with: aquarium instruments, proper furniture, maps, audio-video equipment, Delta fair dioramas, interactive software programs with LCDs, a conference room fully-equipped, as well as administrative area and confectionary. The center has an aquarium, an exhibition space and a leisure area

7. “Integrated system for

PHARE CBC 2005 Romania-Ukraine

€734,159 The purpose of the project was to improve border management and

Joint Monitoring Program of Danube Delta implemented and operational

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Public investment

Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment intended to achieve?

What were the outcomes (or expected outcomes)

monitoring environmental factors, biodiversity and natural resources in Danube Delta” project

Applicant: Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration Romania (DDBRA Romania) Partners: DDBRA Ukraine, Dobrogea-Litoral Water Directorate, Water Management Department Odessa, Tulcea County Council

environmental protection by developing an integrated system for monitoring the natural resources of Danube Delta.

Trained staff in both protected areas of Danube Delta A joint working group responsible for implementing the Joint Monitoring Program Facilities for carrying out data collection activities, supervision and monitoring in both parts of the reservation (a mobile laboratory fully-equipped) A joint website and information materials related to DDBRA Romania/Ukraine addressed to the target group

8. „Common central office of reservation for Danube Delta and neighboring areas ” project

PHARE CBC 2005 Romania – Ukraine Program Applicant: Association for Promotion of Tourism in the Danube Delta - Delta Tour Prom Partners: Tulcea County Council, DDBRA, CBC Agency of “Lower Danube Euro region” in Reni, Ukraine.

€295,705

The purpose of the project was to create an online database of all tourism units in Danube Delta and neighboring areas for booking and tourism promotion. End-date: 2009

The online database: http://www.e-danubedelta.com The website offers facilities such as: online reservations, maps, gallery, guides of Danube Delta. Improved access to touristic information on Danube Delta and its accommodation units and attractions

9. “Biodiversity conservation in the Danube Delta”

World Bank Global Environment Funds

€6,000,000 Biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation in the Danube Delta of local communities.

Measures to improve the Danube Delta ecosystem conservation and cultural heritage of local communities.

10. “Rehabilitation of five (5) schools in

PHARE 2003 Economic and Social Cohesion, Regional and Local

€525,000

The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate and modernize 5 schools from Tulcea County

5 schools rehabilitated: Daeni, Ostrov, Niculitel, Sulina and Crişan

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Public investment

Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment intended to achieve?

What were the outcomes (or expected outcomes)

Tulcea County, in localities affected by floods from 2005”

Infrastructure

Applicant: Tulcea County Council

Partners: Local Councils from: Daeni, Ostrov, Niculitel, Sulina and Crişan

End-date: 2008

11. Investment projects initiated by private investors: Modernization of cottages in Uzlina, agro-tourism units in Danube Delta and Murighiol

SAPARD Funds and private investors: Ecosigma LTD, Stil Tours LTD, and other companies

€159,605

The purpose of the projects was to increase competitiveness of Danube Delta tourism sector by modernizing accommodation units located in the middle of Danube Delta. These units will provide high quality tourism services, including renting and accommodation on boats.

Accommodation units modernized or rehabilitated; Improved quality standards for tourism services in Danube Delta

12. Touristic Complex in Murighiol

European Union and private funds

€2,500,000 Creating the necessary infrastructure in the area for tourism practice

Touristic Complex in Murighiol

13. “Integrated Information System - DDBRA Management Support to improve the conservation status of ecosystems”

SOP Environment, Priority Axis 4: “Implementation of adequate management systems for nature protection” Applicant: DDBRA

€5,736,640 The overall project objective is to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance of cultural heritage, and to implement measures to improve the conservation status of ecosystems in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Institutional capacity increased by 60% in order to initiate and implement DDBRA measures for preserving the ecological balance by introducing simplified integration / analysis/evaluation/reporting by streamlining administrative flows and optimize internal collaboration with other institutions Development of professional skills and expertise capacity for 70 persons withing DDBRA to maintain and apply conservation measures 40% increased perception and awareness from stakeholders and citizens on the

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Public investment

Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment intended to achieve?

What were the outcomes (or expected outcomes)

importance of maintain an ecological balance and ecosystem conservation need through promotional campaigns and by facilitating online access to relevant information at national level

14. “Fish cannery and collection point in Tulcea County” project Danubiu RO 2002 LTD

SAPARD Measure 1.1. „Improving processing and marketing agricultural products and fisheries”, submeasure Fish and fish products, private funds

€2,000,000

Construction of a fish cannery in Sfântu Gheorghe The production of the fishery concern: cans of marine fish, canned freshwater fish, saltwater fish preserved. End-date: February 2004

41 new jobs created; Fish cannery using local fish production and resources Building a clamping, refrigeration and processing circuit.

15. Project “Fish processing factory equipped with advanced technology in Jurilovca village, Tulcea County”, Ecofish LTD

SAPARD Measure 1.1. „Improving processing and marketing agricultural products and fisheries”, sub-measure “Fish and fish products”, private funds

€2,000,000

The purpose of the project was to build a modern factor for processing and preserving fish with proper equipment at Jurilovca End-date: February 2004

54 new jobs created; The company’s products include most of fish species caught in the Danube Delta (carp, gibel carp, bream, catfish) Fish processing factory that meets all hygiene requirements, EU law, under the directive on hygiene fish food and nationwide correspondence.

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6. Stakeholder Analysis

As mentioned in the assessment of development and diversification in the Danube Delta, the main stakeholders, involved in fishery and non-fishery activities of the area, are as follows:

Table 9: Stakeholder analysis

Organisation Contact details (address, telephone and e-mail) 1. Fishery sector 1. Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration

Grigore Baboianu, Governor Address: No. 34A Portului Street Telephone: +40 240 51 89 45 E-mail: arbdd@ddbra.ro

2. National Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Stere Popescu, Director of NAFA Tulcea branch Adress: No. 14 Portului Street, IBEROM building, Tulcea Telephone: + 4 0240 535 029 E-mail: anpa@anpa.ro

3. National Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta

Eugenia MARIN, Researcher Address: No. 165, Babadag Street, 820112, Tulcea, Romania Telephone: +40 240 531 520 E-mail: jenica@indd.tim.ro

4. Federation of Danube Delta Fishermen

Lucian SANDA, President Address :Tulcea Telephone: 0744 384 687 E-mail: sanda.lucian@yahoo.com

5. Federation of Fish Producers Dan VERBINA, President Address: Tulcea county Telephone: 0744 336 693 E-mail: foppdelta@gmail.com

6. Employers’ Association in Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Exploitation from Danube Delta, Razelm-Sinoe and Black Sea

Mircea PASCALI, President Telephone: 0744249358

7. Association « Shark » Mihai CRACIUN, President Address: Crişan locality Telephone : 0745 872 603 E-mail : cristi_ignat71@yahoo.com

8. Association « Black Sea Sturgeon »

Sorin ZAHARIA, President Address: Sfântu Gheorghe locality Telephone : 0240 533130 E-mail: blackseasturgeon2002@yahoo.com

9. Association « Save Danube and the Delta »

Costel POPA, President Address : No. 8, Alunisului Street, Z3, Ap. 10, Code 820 204, Tulcea, Tulcea County Telephone: + 40 21 319 49 31 E-mail : costel.popa@salvatidelta.ro

10. Aquaculture company: MON- Corneliu IVANOV

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AL LTD Babadag Address: No. 24, Heracleea Street, Bl. J/A, Ap. 1, Tulcea Telephone: 0722652403 E-mail: euro_fish@yahoo.com

11. Aquaculture company: Complex CORMORAN

Cornel GAINA Address: Cormoran locality Telephone: 0744656373 E-mail: cornel_gaina@yahoo.com

12. Processing company: INTERFRIG LTD

Gabriel SIDORENCU Address: Cataloi locality Telephone: 0240550304 E-mail: contact@interfrig.com

13. Processing company: MIADMAR FISHING LTD

Daniel BUHAI Address: No. 96, Pacii Street, Tulcea Telephone : 0240517760 E-mail: miadmar@yahoo.com

14. Aquaserv Liliana URSE Address: No 2, Tudor Vladimirescu Street, Tulcea Telephone: +40 241 511 369

15. Tulcea County Council Boieru Ioan, Vice-president Raluca Gaidanut, Consultant Address: No. 20, Pacii Street, Tulcea Telephone: +40 240 511 440 E-mail: gaidanut.raluca@cjtulcea.ro

16. Environmental Protection Agency in Tulcea

Elena Micu, Department Implementation of Environment Policies Address: No. 5 November 14th Street, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 510 620 E-mail: monitorizare.planuri@apmtl.ro

2. Wider community 1. Tulcea County School Doru-Marian CAPRITA

Address: No. 3-4 Dobrogeanu Gherea Street, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 515 771 E-mail: isjtl@isjtl.edu.ro

2. County Tulcea Directorate for Statistics

Loredana IONELE, Director Address: 17A Pacii Street, Tulcea Telephone:+ 40 240 517 510 E-mail: tele@tulcea.insse.ro

3. Danube Delta Museum Eco-touristic Center

Andreea SEBASTIAN, Director Address: No. 26 Garii Street Telephone: + 40 240 519 130 E-mail: tourisminfo_tulcea@yahoo.com

4. National Trade Register Office Anicuta VOINEA, Director Address: No. 14 Portului Street, Tulcea Telephone: +40 240 519 966 E-mail: orctl@tl.onrc.ro

5. Tulcea Labor Inspectorate Lavinia DRAGAN, Legal consultant Address: No. 118 Babadag Street, Tulcea Telephone: +40 240 530 064

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E-mail: itmtulcea@itmtulcea.ro 6. Tulcea Employment Labor Agency

Adrian COJOCARU, Consultant Address: No. 10 Grigore Antipa Street Telephone: +40 240 516 858 E-mail: tl_mpm@ajofm.anofm.ro

7. Romanian National Institute of Statistics

Roxana Mihaela SERBAN, Consultant Address: No. 16 Liberty Boulevard, Sector 5, Bucharest Telephone:+ 021 318 1871 E-mail: diseminare3@insse.ro

8. Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Tulcea

Address: No. 22 Victoriei Street, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 519 038 E-mail: www.cciatl.ro

9. Tulcea County Council Victor TARHON, President Address: No. 20 Pacii Street, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 511 960 E-mail: office@cjtulcea.ro

10. Tulcea Prefecture Anica MADAR Address: No. 20, Pacii Street, Tulcea county Telephone:+40 240 511 042 E-mail: anicamadar@prefecturatulcea.ro

11. Sulina City Hall Aurel DIMITRIU, Mayor Address: No. 180 I Street, Sulina Telephone: +40 240 543 001 E-mail: sulina_prim@yahoo.com

12. Crişan City Hall Văniuşa ARTIMOV, Mayor Address: Crişan locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 547 057 E-mail: primariacrisan@gmail.com

13. Sfântu Gheorghe City Hall Valentin SIDORENCU, Mayor Address: Sfântu Gheorghe locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 546 701

14. Beştepe City Hall Dumitru TIPIRIGAN, Mayor Address: Beştepe Locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 545 334 E-mail: office@primariabestepe.ro

15. C.A. Rosetti City Hall Antonel POCORA, Mayor Address: C.A. Rosetti locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 546 200 E-mail: primariarosetti@gmail.com

16. Ceatalchioi City Hall Simion DAMIANOV, Mayor Address: Ceatalchioi locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 517 144 E-mail: primariaceatalchioi@gmail.com

17. Chilia Veche City Hall Georgeta CIUPITU, Mayor Address: Chilia Veche locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 547 301 E-mail: primaria_chilia_veche@yahoo.com

18. Mahmudia City Hall Gheorghina VRAMULET, Mayor Address: Mahmudia locality, Tulcea county

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Telephone: +40 240 545 390 E-mail: primaria@mahmudia.ro

19. Murighiol City Hall Filip IVANOV, Mayor Address: Murighiol locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 545 969 E-mail: primaria_murighiol@yahoo.com

20. Nufăru City Hall Tincu GAVRILĂ, Mayor Address: Nufăru locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 240 549 062 E-mail: office@primarianufaru.ro

21. Pardina City Hall Iordan CHISLIłCHI, Mayor Address: Pardina locality, Tulcea county Telephone: +40 372 704 582 E-mail: prim_pardina@zappmobile.ro

22. Association to support and promote rural initiatives

Ana-Maria CAZACU, President Telephone: +40 240 517013

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7. Qualitative Interpretation and Analysis

In order to facilitate the qualitative interpretation and analysis one focus group on “Fishery and aquaculture sector and local communities in Danube Delta” was organized on 3rd June 2010, in Tulcea. All members of the registered FLAG “Sustainable Fishery on Danube Delta” attended the focus-group, as well as other central and local authorities and fishing and aquaculture companies. The agenda of the focus-group followed the methodology proposed by the Consortium.

7.1 Key events and drivers of change

Economical, social, political and environmental events of the last ten years influenced the local communities and the fisheries and aquaculture sector development, becoming drivers of positive and negative changes. The most important events identified by the Focus Group are as follows. Demographical aspects The young population has no real incentives to stay in the DD area and migrate towards the nearby urban areas. Difficulties to find jobs, adverse living conditions and limited transportation networks result in a steady decrease of the young people that are looking to adjacent urban areas for employment opportunities. Thus fluctuating population levels and changes in some villages are generally the result of opportunities elsewhere. But the global decrease in the population is not just the result of migration, but also of birth rates and the decreased number of marriages, a consequence of the decreased number of young people, and infant mortality levels. One cause is the poor quality of primary education, which represents a barrier for students accessing secondary and higher education. In addition, the low family income (especially families with many children) does not allow for young people to leave for high school and/or universities. Economic aspects One main event related to economic development has been mentioned, and refers to the difficulties in managing waste produced in the Danube Delta, its collection in isolated areas, and water transportation to organized waste land. This perception has been changed in 2009, when two campaigns were organized by environmental NGOs proving that waste can be managed even in the Danube Delta, and thus paving the way for future projects and best practices adapted to Delta’ specificity.

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The main drivers of change in the DD economic activities refer to: Economic crisis that determined small producers, especially in the transport and fishing

sectors to stop their activity; The construction sector experienced a significant growth due to the need to build new

homes and tourist accommodation facilities. Tourism represents an emerging market that has developed in recent years and retains

a majority of local labour force in the Danube Delta. The developments of various tourism forms such as eco-tourism and rural tourism that capitalize on the specific of this traditional community’s fishery-dependant represent an alternative for decreasing the pressure on fishery resources. This sector has increased though the large number of new accommodation facilities (including floating facilities) and the modernization and diversification of the vehicles that increased the quality of the services offered.

In addition, transport activity has developed especially for small-capacity transportation of passengers and goods, as a result of tourism development activities.

Fisheries and aquaculture aspects

Legislative and institutional changes are among the main events with an important impact on the fishery and aquaculture sector in the Danube Delta. Thus, bureaucracy events resulted in an increase in red tape barriers for fishing and fish-related activities.

1. The well established reporting scheme on catches and other fishery-related activity managed by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration has been taken over by the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture that was extended in terms of tasks and institutional capacity in 2007. Reporting became difficult, and reported volumes of catches decreased sharply. Efforts are currently made to strengthen the reporting and inspection activity of the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture.

2. New fishing registration rules with various authorities have been perceived as red tape by fishermen who had to obtain fishing permits or to register from/with the Danube Delta Administration, the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Cross-Border Police, etc. depending on the type of waters they are fishing in. Efforts are made to create one-stop shops for fishing permits.

In 2009, due to tighter legislative requirements and strong decline of total incomes, the total volume of catches decreased by more than 15%, thus influencing also the total value of catches over the delta area. This is why although the fish prices increased, the total value of fish catches decreased in the last 3 years.

Irrational sturgeon catching lead to the depletion of these economically valuable species, thus the Government established a ten-year prohibition period accompanied by intense repopulation measures, through the Ministry Order No.262/2006, signed by the Minister of Environment and Water Ministry, between 2006 - 2016. On one hand, the measure determined the development of aquaculture activity and restocking the Danube with sturgeon fingerlings. On the other, the

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communities depending more on sturgeon fishing, such as at the mouths of Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe channels into the Black Sea, have been economically affected, as no financial compensation has been settled for the fishermen or sturgeon-related companies. Moreover, the measure is implemented in Romania only, while Ukraine has no sturgeon control policy, and thus, the global impact is questionable, with local communities being frustrated that their efforts in observing the prohibition rules are not going to meet the expected results. Drivers of change in the local catching sub-sector

Poaching is another important aspect concerning the local catching sub-sector, which has increased in the past years. Currently, the legislative requirements of commercial and sports fishing are very permissive and contribute to poaching, e.g. fisherman may not be fined unless proved that the poacher intends to sell the fish, local inhabitants cannot be accused of illegal possession of fish in their boats because they are allowed to fish up to 3 kg per day per family member (family fishing legislation). If the local fisherman also owns a sport fish permit, the amount of legally caught fish increases with 5 kilograms daily/license. Experts estimate that most of poached fish is sold in illegal shops in Tulcea, thus increasing the profits of traders and processors, with direct impact on the actual volume of fish catches69. The local market is characterized by extensive poaching activity, for which authorities have proposed measures such as: simplifying the registration procedures of fish catches, compulsory registration of fish caught only in landing points and in the presence of representatives of fisheries resource manager, free competition in the sales centers70

Drivers of change in fish stock

.

The main entropic actions, which still have or have had a negative impact on ichthyofauna in the Danube Delta, are: dams (over 100 000 ha), draining water bodies used in intensive agriculture, chemicals and irrational fertilizers used in agriculture, the pollution of Danube water with harmful substances accumulated along its course, ballast water for ships, eutrophication phenomenon recorded especially after 1980. Eutrophication appeared as a result of nutrient pollution caused by the fundamental changes in biotope characteristics. The increased turbidity and reduced water area with clear water habitats have resulted in a decline of the following fish species: pike, tench and others, which represented a big share of commercial fishing, while cyprinids species increased their share. Species such as bream-pike type have adapted to eutrophic conditions. The current state of aquatic habitats favors cyprinids species with lower economic value such as carp, bream and roach, and among predators zander have a big share in the total volume of catches. The fish species such as pike, tench and carp could record a recovery by the end of 2011. Also, in recent years, an increased trend for carp population has been recorded after years of floods.

69 Tulcea County Commission for Fish Poaching Prevention and Control Direction, press releases on the inspections carried out in 2009-2010, www.anpa.ro 70Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation“, 2008

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Drivers of change in aquaculture sub-sector

The aquaculture sites in the Danube Delta are currently facing negative aspects concerning the application of traditional technologies: lack of basic water supply from the ponds, feed management and chemical fertilizers/organic. Also, they are not complying with hydrological and hydro-biological criteria such as: water level in ponds, high degree of invasion by aquatic macrophytes, failure of chemical tests on water that determined environmental degradation. In the early 1970, in order to increase the total volume of fish catches in the Danube Delta, large areas of almost 44,000 ha were dedicated to aquaculture sites, with a production up to 1,000 -1,200 kg/ha, far exceeding the natural production. The program was very extensive and did not consider the natural conditions, thus resulted in environmental degradation. The unsatisfactory results were determined by the inability to apply intensive aquaculture on such large areas, with inadequate water supply systems, without granulated feed. Thus, the extensive system is also a major constraint in the aquaculture sub-sector. At national level, only 15% of the total production is represented by local fish species.

Being located in the Danube Delta, important investment is also needed in the rehabilitation of the sites that have a large role in preserving the ecological systems. Thus, many aquaculture sites, although operated by private companies, are now abandoned in terms of aquaculture and their main activities reduced to recreational fishing or intensive agriculture.

The production costs in aquaculture and fisheries sectors are much higher than EU

similar costs, due to local and state taxes, land, water leasing costs and electricity. All these additional expenses increase production costs, thus the profitability rate is much lower than in other EU countries. Moreover, the access of EU funds is difficult due to limited financial resources of producers who are unable to apply for bank credit as co-financing. Thus, there is an urgent need for fuel subsidies.

Drivers of change in processing sub-sector Small producers stopped their activity; large producers are better equipped to deal with

sanitary and quality requirements; The production costs in aquaculture and fisheries sectors are much higher than EU

similar costs, due to local and state taxes, land, water leasing costs and electricity. All these additional expenses increase production costs, thus the profitability rate is much lower than in other EU countries. Moreover, the access of EU funds is difficult due to limited financial resources of producers who are unable to apply for bank credit as co-financing. Thus, there is an urgent need for fuel subsidies

There is an urgent need for an online fish auction, to ensure that sales prices are based on demand-offer basis.

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Governance aspects As expected, recurring legislative and institutional changes affect the governance of the researched area. The decreased and continuingly decreasing level of bottom-up methodologies in the development of local/regional and national strategies is the main barrier for local authorities in developing realistic and feasible plans. Both local administration and private sector consider the important delays and changes with the management of the Fishery Operational Programmes to be one of the events that hinder public and public fishery- and aquaculture-related projects, including investments in aquaculture sites. The fishery and aquaculture sector became better represented when fishermen had to organise in professional associations in 2006, due to preparations Romania had to undergo for accessing EU and with a view to accessing fishery funds.

7.2 Adaptation

Adaptation to changes and events occurring in the Danube Delta depends on socio-professional categories and age groups, while a general inertia to change has been noticed in the last decade as well as the preference for local, individual solutions, and less for a civic or officially-driven approach. Local authorities consider that current strategies do not take into consideration cultural specificity of Delta inhabitants and do not reconcile people’s interests with the environmental management of the natural resource in the Biosphere Reserve. Demographics aspects Migration of population towards neighbouring towns has been the general response to harsh and undiversified economic activities in the isolated Danube Delta localities. However, as tourism activities increased in recent years, a mild inflow of people has been registered. Unfortunately, as the inhabitants have no qualification as defined by the employment legislation and tourism, restoration, or tourism-related activities, companies’ response has been to employ non-Delta people and assign jobs requiring no qualification to Delta inhabitants. Even under the described conditions, Delta inhabitants did not start to improve their qualification, while local authorities could not find the appropriate solution for attracting and maintaining educated and specialised teachers. Women remain at risk of the highest unemployment. Regarding the population structure by gender and age, a mild predominance of male population has been registered in the young adult group, in contrast to the elderly, where women represent over 55%. Reconsideration and strengthening socio-economic role of women is required to remove some aspects of discrimination between genders and marginalization of the female population, including social involvement, labour and political involvement. One adaptive response to out-migration has been to try stimulating a commuting labor force, but it proved an inefficient measure, by wasting energy for transportation, energy that could be used

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in social life, while the temporary separation of families creates serious problems, such as for children education and intra-family relations. Other barriers for adaptation are that:

• The main reasons inhabitants remain in the Danube Delta are that they cannot adapt in other areas, being accustomed to live in Delta’s specific conditions (air, food, water, less societal constraints), low education and weak opportunities;

• Low living standard, most of inhabitant relying on social welfare; • Isolation of local communities, far from central authorities and cultural centres; • There are vulnerable groups in the Danube Delta namely, (1) women having no labour

opportunities, most of them being unemployed, carrying on household activities, or sometimes, if qualified, working in tourism, and (2) children, not having the same development and educational opportunities like other children, limited access to information, limited access to trained teachers, and poor life conditions (energy, water, waste management).

• Employment aspects: - local employees’ educational and professional level is low compared to legal

requirements for authorising economic activities; - qualified persons are leaving for better job opportunities outside Danube Delta; - income of skilled labour force from out Delta , working in such fields as tourism,

education, medicine; - Limited range of job opportunities;

Economic aspects The main non-fishery development resources that the Danube Delta population have at hand are quarries, wind (energy developments using wind renewable resources) and a unique cultural inheritance (tourism, reed-related craft activities). The poor basic infrastructure is the main hindrance to benefitting from them and adapting to the declining fishery activity, attracting investors and diversifying the local economy. Thus, isolation, difficult access, high cost for transportation, poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and environmental restrictive policy remain the major barriers for local communities to adapt to the economic changes of the last decade. Barriers for adaptation are: Investments: low credit access, inhabitants having fluctuant income over the year; Isolation of local communities, far from central authorities and cultural centres; Water transportation is the only available means to link with other local communities,

towns and specialising services. During winter, if frozen waters, there are no means of communication excepting for air means. Local authorities subsides the public transportation;

Resources unexploited due to restrictions and overprotection of most part of the territories.

Over protection of fish resources affect the fish catching activity.

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Outdated and rack worn infrastructure in existence in all activities: fishing, commerce, administrative, needing big investments of each local;

Fisheries and aquaculture In order to improve the local market, an initiative of NAFA will be developed under public-private partnership: an online fish auction project, with the purpose of enabling free competition on the local market, with direct impact on poaching and monopole prices at second fish sale level. Fish is currently traded mostly on the black market, and the people trading fish are guilty of tax evasion71

. In the absence of a regulated market, the fishermen sell the fish at a very low price dictated by the fish collecting centre in the vicinity of its fishing area. In order to regulate the market, several measures are proposed under the project: the fish will be recorded with fish collecting centers, also through tax documents, and an online auction will operate in Tulcea or other locality near the Delta; several fish collection centers to be authorization in the same fishing area. This new market organization will generate competitive prices, increased revenue for fishermen and reduced black market, increased quality of monitoring and additional revenues from the state budget. The project is in pre-feasibility phase.

Barriers for adaptation are: Poaching, intensive fishing and pollution are causing damage to natural resources on the

Delta, with impact for future generations. Unfavourable agricultural soil adds pressure on fishery resources, generating a

concentration on other activities, namely fishing. Ecological reconstruction is delayed by divergent interests of local institutions, private

sector and environmental entities. Governance aspects The quality of life of the local communities are the main priorities for the local authorities’ and FLAG’s, especially based on improved fishery resource management and the local development of the communities that are isolated, with generally low education, and which remain very poor. Thus, restrictive measures such as the various prohibition periods for fish species, fishing quotas for families and fishermen, building regulations, and imposed materials for construction in order to preserve Delta’s traditional architecture, are all perceived as development barriers for adapting to the current societal standards. Many of these restrictions come the governance of the DD and its status as a protected area (Natura 2000). Nevertheless the active engagement by the community in the FLAG represents an important adaptive response in terms of governance and attempts to improve livelihoods in the delta.

71 National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture, various reports concerning inspections realized to prevent and combat fish poaching in Danube Delta, 2009

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7.3 Future development of the community

Local communities depend on the Danube Delta’s natural resources, mainly on fish – a traditional resource. Local authorities, communities representatives, and fishery sector representatives consider that the sustainable development of the Danube Delta will be based on integrating fishing into ecotourism and creating and producing a local brand for organic products. The main priorities for the Danube Delta that emerged during the focus group discussion were as follows:

• Improving the level of education of inhabitants in villages: - Villages of CA Rosetti and Sf. Gheorghe will concentrated efforts as they

concentrate economic opportunities; - Creating one extended school infrastructure accommodating young students from

all over Danube Delta and thus ensuring the necessary critical mass of professional teacher and flow of knowledge. The infrastructure should be located in the only town of Danube Delta, Sulina.

- Further local authorities should cover subsides for water transport. • Modernisation and development of public infrastructure and services:

- Water supply and sewage systems; - Roads linking communities such as Tulcea-Chilia, Nufăru-Maliuc, Sfântu

Gheorghe - Dunavăţul de Sus; - Modernization of mini-ports (tourism public infrastructure); - Fishing infrastructure: quays and berths, utilities;

• Local identity management:

- Creating and promoting the local identity elements based on the cultural heritage and environment;

- Strict application of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve framework regulation for urban planning. Buildings will be covered with reed or tiles, will be painted in natural colours, will not have more than two floors, and will use wind or solar energy;

• Support for fishing activity:

- A more coherent legislation regarding fishing and aquaculture: the markets are difficult to access;

- Modernization of private fishing facilities such as the outdated and non-environmental-friendly boats;

- Ecological reconstruction is a solution required to maintain the natural processes of Danube Delta, with benefits for local communities and for a long-term conservation of the Delta system.

- Support and assistance for accessing external funding.

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• Strengthening of local authorities:

- Local autonomy in strategies and development projects of the area; - A better collaboration between the local councils and fishermen organizations;

• Economic diversification. Fishing is a traditional activity that involves the whole local

community. Economic alternatives should be supported to reduce the pressure on the fishery resources. The alternatives proposed by the local authorities are:

- Public services (water supply, waste collection); - Tourism; - Reed, rush and willow exploitation (underexploited); - Organic agriculture (underexploited); - Local processing units based on local products; - Promotion and education on authenticity.

• Development of a sustainable Danube Delta

- Environmental education; - Location of landfills for waste collection.

7.4 The role of public intervention

As it is evident from earlier tables in this report detailing the extensive levels of public sector support, the area under study is currently benefiting from considerable levels of funding, most of projects being under approval or implementation, while few finalised. This funding covers a wide range of public investments such as roads, community facilities, and environmental enhancement and protection, as the region is significantly lagging behind other regions in Romania. As this type of public infrastructure is the prerequisite for further investment in fisheries sector, either as public or private projects, in overall terms, public support specifically for the fisheries sector has not been that significant compared to funds provided for non-fishery related investments. Thus, out of Euro 50.1 million representing the total value of public intervention, only 8% have been directed to fishery sector. However, SOP for Fishery and Aquaculture is in its early stages of implementation, and important fishery investments are envisaged both as public and private projects.

With regards to the effectiveness of the public support provided, the mid-term review of the operational programmes is under procedure and no result has been published so far, so no official impact of recent and more consistent public support is available. Yet, taking into consideration that (1) the general Romanian absorption rate72

72 Inter-ministry Committee for European Funds Management - meeting held on 14.07.2010, report on absorption of European funds presented by prime-minister

is of 10.17% for period 2007-2010, thus very low compared to other central and eastern European countries, and (2) the amplitude of local and county development strategies, it is reasonable to assume that although the funds already implemented or under implementation have had an important impact on

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communities quality of life, at primary level, a lot of additional effort both in terms of funding and institutional building should be considered in order to reduce economic, social and cultural disparities between Danube Delta, as an extended fishery-dependent community and other similar European communities.

In terms of the future, public support is likely to continue to be important in the area given the considerable problems that it faces in terms of socio-economic status, and an ability of the private sector to fund and support the sort of investments needed to address problems associated with the area’s isolation. Both public and private sector consider that the European intervention is essential for firstly creating the basics for developing and, afterwards, strengthening Danube Delta’s sustainable community. The European intervention is crucial for promoting and implementing long-term strategies and action plans treating the local needs in an integrated and sustainable manner. In its absence, local and county strategies will be approached based on individual and isolated actions, developed over an indefinite long term, thus losing their cross-impact and sustainable effect. Moreover, as Romania’s current economic decline is widening, its recovery will take an even longer period than anticipated, and local and national funds will undergo a slow process of improvement, alongside with public projects.