Observed on August 27 under the auspices of the UN, World Lake Day highlights the urgent need to protect, restore, and sustainably manage global freshwater ecosystems. In the Black Sea region, the environmental health of lakes, rivers, and estuaries forms an interconnected network directly supporting both regional biodiversity and freshwater resources.
Clean freshwater habitats are vital for the survival of endangered sturgeon species, which serve as key biological indicators of aquatic ecosystem quality. Habitat degradation, water pollution, and disrupted migration corridors continue to pose severe threats to their natural reproduction.
Through the implementation of the international project SturNet BSB 00172 (“Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem” / Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin), researchers at the Institute are working to establish joint monitoring frameworks and safeguard critical habitats. Protecting the water quality of our lakes and river basins is essential not only for sturgeon recovery, but also for ensuring long-term ecological resilience across the entire Black Sea region.
