LAKE BISTRET
Romania
Objective: Lake Bistreț case study will demonstrate the efficiency, effectiveness and replicability of restoring the lake functions with NBS as well as effective management in species conservation status and water quality.
Lake classification
Lake size (km2)
Medium: 19 km2
Average depth
Shallow: 3 to 10 m average depth
Geology
Exclusively Quaternary deposits, of fluvial accumulation, formed of gravels and sands. Driven by wind, led to formation of sand dunes in the NW-SE direction
Altitude
Low-altitude Lake (0 – 500 meters above sea level)
Trophic status
Eutrophic
Lake ecosystem Status
Biodiversity
NATURA 2000 network
ROSCI0045 & ROSPA0010
Presence and condition of Annex I habitats (Habitats Directive)
The site concentrates 9, respectively 32% of the 28 types of natural forest habitats protected by Romanian and EU legislation, of which 2, respectively 33%, of the 6 priority protected habitats.
Presence and population status of protected bird species (Birds Directive)
The site hosts protected bird species listed in the annexes of the Birds Directive and the Convention on Migratory Species as well as globally endangered species.
Specifically, it is important for the nesting populations of Platalea leucorodia, Ardeola ralloides, Egretta garzetta, Aytya nyroca, Cyrcus aeruginosus. The site is important for wintering ducks and geese. During the migration period, the site hosts more than 20,000 specimens of aquatic birds.
Species richness and diversity of native flora
Wetland of national importance for the wintering of aquatic birdlife and the nesting of several significant species. Rich aquatic and riparian communities: Lemna minor, Salvinia natans, Marsilea quadrifolia, Elodea canadensis, Dasypyrum villosum, Festuca valesiaca, Bromus tectorum, Alnus incana, Alnus glutinosa, Quercus pedunculiflora, Fraxinus pallisae, Salix alba, Populus alba. Well-preserved mature forest with a diverse number of typical species among mammals, birds, and insects.
Ecological status
Ecological status (WFD)
Moderate Ecological Status
Conservation status
Conservation status (IUCN)
Habitat management area and Species management area —Category IV
Threat level
Threat level (IUCN Red List of Ecosystems)
Not Evaluated (NE): Not yet evaluated against the criteria
Pressures:
Pressures: The most important impacts and activities with high effects on the site are agriculture and waste pollution, disturbance of species, illegal fishing, suspended electricity and phone lines.
Historical Data
Since 2007, there has been a need do gather data in one place in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, Birds Directive and Habitat Directive. Since 2013 there has been data about the conservation status of species and habitats and ecological status of the lake.
Local Policy and Governance Structure
Lake owner: National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture
Responsible for conservation: The County Centre for Nature Protection, Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development, Dolj.
Local communities’ involvement in the lake’s management
Local stakeholders get involved in actions that require their opinions.
Proposed set of Protection and
Restoration measures
Lead Implementing organization and stakeholders involved: WWF Romania, the administration of the protected area
Installation of buoys to improve the reproduction habitat for Chlidonias hybrida and assessing the reproduction success to improve nesting conditions and maintain conservation status of species.
Ensuring nesting and resting space for ichthyophage species through installing nesting platforms and assessing the reproduction success to improvе nesting conditions and conservation status of species.
Working with farmers to alleviate or stop the pollution with agricultural nutrients and pesticides.
Monitoring activities to assess the conservation status of the bird species and lake’s water quality. This further improves the territorial control for environmental monitoring.
Establish a thematic eco-trail to avoid or diminish the disturbance of species and lake pollution.