C.2 – Reinforcements population of Mediterranean Barbel Barbus meridionalis and other naiad Unio elongatulus fish hosts
We want to consolidate the recovery of naiads through the recovery of local fish stocks that host their larvae, including the Mediterranean Barbel (Barbus meridionalis). In specific stretches of the rivers Ter, Fluvià, Llémena, Brugent and Ser, among others, reinforcements population and traslocaments of individuals will be conducted, from other stretches of river populations in good condition.
This captures of fishs is done by electric fishing and catching, with immediate transfer of fish, but never from one basin to another. Other criteria that will be considered are to not affect populations sources and avoid translocations towards sectors with high presence of exotic species.
The original settlement fishes in the basins of Fluvià and Ter includes only 6 freshwater species, of which only three are known to be guests of the naiad, Barbus meridionalis, Squalis laietanus and Salaria fluviatilis. In each sector of activity where there is only one species of fish, at least 250 specimens of another species will be released. Where there is any, 250 specimens of two species will be released, one of which will be the Mediterranean Barbel. In the case of sprimg campaigns, traslocation of fish for infestation by Glochid naiad obtained from laboratory animal naiads will be carried on.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Between 12 and 18 new stable populations of Mediterranean Barbel and two other native fish larvae guest of naiads in sectors where the reinforcements executed populations of this naiad are expected, and always under the criterion in the medium term, coexisting with this naiad at least two species of native fish, intending to close its cycle.
