Fish and fisheries of the Prespa lakes

Abstract

Twenty-three taxa of fish have been identified from the Prespa lakes. Eleven of these have been introduced or translocated, and 7 of the remaining 12 are endemic to the Prespa lakes. This high proportion of endemism requires confirmation because the systematic position of several of the species and subspecies remains uncertain. The absence of a predatory fish in Mikri Prespa, the occurrence of trout in Megali Prespa, the presence of eels in both lakes and the occurrence of many rheophilous fish species typifies the fish communities of these two lakes. Monitoring of the fish population in Mikri Prespa, from 1984 to 1994, showed apparent stability or a slight increase in catches during this period. Not all the introduced species have been able to establish populations and their impact on the indigenous populations is yet to be defined. A spectacular re-establishment of the carp population, following the crash of the stock of this species in the 1970s-1980s, was recorded in the spring of 1991. The past and present situation of the fisheries in lakes Mikri and Megali Prespa is described, and their productivity and yields are analysed. Particular attention is given to a traditional fishing method unique to the Prespa region: "pelaizia" fishing. The factors involved in the temporal trends in the fisheries are identified and analysed. Recommendations for the management of the fish populations and the fisheries are proposed, so that the sustainability of this resource and the survival of the endemic fish species can be ensured. ©1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers.