RESEARCH STATE OF ALOSA IMMACULATA (BENNETT, 1835) STOCKS FROM ROMANIAN SECTOR OF DANUBE - SHORT OVERVIEW

Shad (Alosa spp.) is an important fish species and has high economic value. Commonly, it is found in the Black Sea basin and is represented by four species and one subspecies: Alosa maeotica, Alosa tanaica, Alosa immaculata, Alosa caspia, which are distributed in the Black Sea. For the Romanian fishery sector, the Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) is an important fishery resource. The attractiveness of the Pontic shad fishery, both in the sea and especially in the Danube River (during the migration period), depends on the seasonal nature of this activity but also the interest of consumers for these species. Consumers' interest for Pontic shad is due to both the flavor of the meat and its nutritional qualities. According to IUCN, Pontic shad is estimated as a vulnerable fish species, stocks being affected by the construction of the Iron Gates I and II hydroelectrical dams. In this context, this paper aims to present an overview of the current stocks state of the Pontic shad in the context of environmental and exploitation conditions in Romania.