Danube Delta en

European Commission
Fish / 2006 / 09
Assessment of the status, development and diversification of

fisheries-dependent communities
DANUBE DELTA CASE STUDY REPORT, ROMANIA
Danube Delta
June 2010 Romania
Table of Contents
Glossary of Acronyms 4
1. Introduction 1
1.1 General description of the location 1
1.2 Location 1
1.3 Key geographical characteristics of the community 2
2. Demographic Aspects 5
2.1 Population and population age structure 6
2.2 Ethnicity and migration 11
3. Economic Aspects 13
3.1 Importance of economic activities 13
3.2 Employment and unemployment 18
3.3 Infrastructure 24
3.3.1. Transport and access infrastructure 24
3.3.2. Utilities and general infrastructure 26
3.3.3. School infrastructure 27
3.4 Local development plans 30
The key priorities of the NSP 2007 – 2013: 31
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector 37
4.1 Details of the local fishing fleets 37
4.2 Fish stock status 38
4.3 Fisheries infrastructure 42
4.4 Details of the local catching sub-sector 45
4.5 Details of the local processing and marketing sub-sector 51
4.6 Details of the local aquaculture sector 54
4.7 Details of the local ancillary sub-sector 57
5. Governance 58
5.1 Key local institutions 58
5.2 Public intervention 61
6. Stakeholder Analysis 67
7. Qualitative Interpretation and Analysis 71
7.1 Key events and drivers of change 71
7.2 Adaptation 75
7.3 Future development of the community 78
7.4 The role of public intervention 79
1
Table of Tables
Table 1: Villages and town of Danube Delta area covered by the study ...................................................... 5
Table 2: Fleet segment of the Danube Delta .............................................................................................. 38
Table 3: Stock status for fish species ......................................................................................................... 39
Table 4: Main gears used for commercial fishing ....................................................................................... 48
Table 5: Fish processing units .................................................................................................................... 52
Table 6: Current status of aquaculture sites ............................................................................................... 57
Table 7: Main fishermen organizations ....................................................................................................... 58
Table 8: Public intervention assessment .................................................................................................... 62
Table 9: Stakeholder analysis ..................................................................................................................... 67
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta ...................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2: Total population over time ............................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3: Inhabitants by locality .................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4: Population structure by age group ................................................................................................. 9
Figure 5: Population structure by gender ...................................................................................................... 9
Figure 6: Population structure by environment ........................................................................................... 10
Figure 7: Ethnicity in Danube Delta ............................................................................................................ 11
Figure 8: Migration of the population .......................................................................................................... 12
Figure 9: Number of permits for fishing issued in the Danube Delta .......................................................... 15
Figure 10: Trends in key economic activities by no. of companies, 2005 to 2009 ..................................... 16
Figure 11: Distribution of companies by number, by main economic activity in Danube Delta, 2008 ........ 17
Figure 12: Distribution by turnover (EUR) for main economic sectors in Danube Delta, 2008 .................. 17
Figure 13: Contribution of sectors to total employment in 2008 ................................................................. 19
Figure 14: The employment and unemployment rate, 2002 to 2009 .......................................................... 20
Figure 15: Employment by key economic sector, 2004 to 2008 ................................................................. 21
2
Figure 16: Number of economic agents by locality, 2005-2009.................................................................. 22
Figure 17: Unemployed people by locality, 2002 to 2009 ........................................................................... 23
Figure 18: Education level of labour force in commercial fishing and aquaculture..................................... 29
Figure 19: Location of Danube Delta harbours ........................................................................................... 42
Figure 20: Volume of fish by group species ................................................................................................ 45
Figure 21: Trends in volume landings (tonnes)........................................................................................... 46
Figure 22: Trends in value landings ............................................................................................................ 47
Figure 23: Trends in price of species .......................................................................................................... 48
Figure 24: Employment dynamics in commercial fishing sub-sector (structure by age group of labour
force) ........................................................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 25: Volumes and value from aquaculture ........................................................................................ 55
Figure 26: Employment dynamics in aquaculture sub-sector and structure by age group of the employees
in aquaculture sub-sector ............................................................................................................................ 56
3
Glossary of Acronyms
DD Danube Delta
DDBRA Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration
EU European Union
FLAG Fishery Local Action Group
NACE Nomenclature statistique des activités économiques

dans la Communauté européenne (Statistical
Classification of Economic Activities in the European
Community)
NAFA National Authority for Fishery and Aquaculture
NFSFR National Federation of Sport Fishing in Romania
NGO Non-governmental organization
NUTS Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
NSP National Strategic Plan for Fisheries
Phare CBC Pologne Hongarie a la Reconstruction des Economies

Cross-Border Cooperation (Pologne Hongarie
Assistance à la Reconstruction des Economies Cross-
Border Cooperation)
SAPARD Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and

Rural Development
SOP Sectoral Operational Programme
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization
4
1. Introduction
1.1 General description of the location
The Danube Delta is a unique area as it combines important natural heritage characteristics of
an ecosystem with a rich diversity of wetland habitats with a community of 13,694 people that is
heavily dependent on fisheries. The area is the largest continuous marshland and the second
largest and best preserved of European deltas. The local population has depended on small-
scale, low-intensity use of the natural resources, fairly well integrated with the natural heritage:
fishing (1,219 boats are registered in 2009), hunting, cattle grazing, subsistence farming and
beekeeping, and viticulture supplemented by outside incomes. Most of the younger generation
has left the Delta and old fishing villages of reed huts have been replaced by concrete buildings
although individual fishing huts are retained.
The constantly developing landscape of the delta is a labyrinth of waterways and land, with
numerous freshwater lakes connected by narrow channels, huge expanses of aquatic
vegetation and flooded islets (plaur). The delta has three distinct zones: the fluvial zone in the
upper part of the delta, characterized by sandy levees, and small, densely vegetated lakes; the
transitional zone with less sedimentation and numerous larger lakes; and the marine zone
dominated by sand-dune barrier beach complexes (Ramsar, 1994 1). The Razelm-Sinoie
complex to the south consists of several large brackish lagoons separated from the sea by a
sandbar. The site is on a major bird migration route and is internationally significant for birds,
both breeding and migratory, including for a number of globally threatened species. It is also a
vitally important buffer between the hydrographical basin of the River Danube and the Black
Sea.
Thus, the DD is a challenge for any developers that must conserve, and at the same time
develop in a sustainable manner, the area by offering employment opportunities for the local
community.
1.2 Location
The Danube Delta is positioned in Eastern Europe, being the largest wetland in Europe,
protected under three international conventions: 1990 – UNESCO “Man and Biosphere
Program”, 1990 - the List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and 1991 - RAMSAR
Convention.
The Danube Delta is located in South-Eastern Romania, being a part of the NUTS II – South-
East Development Region. The total area of the region is 4,178 km2, of which 3,446 km² are in
Romania, and the rest in Ukraine. The community the study refers to is located in the NUTS III -
Tulcea County, and covers 12 villages and one town. The geographic position of the Danube
Delta is defined by the following coordinates: 28º 10’ 50’’ (Cotul Pisicii), 29º 42’ 45’’ (Sulina) east
longitude and 45º 27’ (Chilia branch, km 43), 44º 47’ 25’’ north latitude. The town of Tulcea is
1
Ramsar Sites Database (1994). A Directory of Wetlands of International Importance. Romania
1
the nearest administrative centre, one of its incorporated villages being considered part of the
Danube Delta (village of Tudor Vladimirescu).
Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta
1.3 Key geographical characteristics of the community
The Danube Delta was declared a biosphere reserve in 1990, while the Romanian Government
confirmed it by Law no. 82/1993. The biosphere reserve also includes other territories such as
the maritime Danube, the Danube flood plain, Razelm – Sinoe lagoon complex, the Black Sea
coast, and the coastal marine waters up to 20 m depth. The study refers solely to the Danube
Delta.
The Romanian geographic literature referring to the Danube Delta 2 indicates the area between
the first bifurcation of the Danube River (Ceatalul Chiliei) and the area bordered by the Black
Sea on the East, the Chilia Branch on the North, and Sfântu Gheorghe Branch on the South.
Out of the total Danube Delta area, more than half (312,440 hectares) represents the natural
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems included in the list of universal heritage value areas
2
Gâştescu Petre, Ştiucă Romulus, “Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published under Danube Delta National
Institute for Research and Development, Geography Institute of Romanian Academy and Danube Delta Technologic
Information Center, page 21, CD Press Publishing, Bucharest, 2008
2
(UNESCO). The other areas include dammed territories for fishing, agriculture and forestry
(app. 80,000 hectares), and private or public properties located in the inhabited territories (app.
29,000 ha). The marine buffer zone is of 103,000 ha. The Danube Delta is the lowest and
newest region of plains, of which 21% is below the sea level. The highest points are the two
forested dunes Letea (13m above sea level) and Caraorman (8m). The average height above
sea level is just 0.52 m.
Positioned near the Black Sea, the Danube Delta has three external climatic influences:
continental, marine and the advection of air. The main climatic values are:
• Cloudiness: < 5% (the lowest in the country);

• Clear sky period: 66 days (Tulcea) – 80,1 days (Sfântu Gheorghe)
• Number of cloudy days: 99 days (Tulcea and Jurilovca) - 90 days (Sfântu Gheorghe)
• Solar radiation: 130-135 kcal/cm2 (largest in the country)
• Annual average temperature: 11-11,40C. In winter it may vary a little between -10 and
1,50C and in the summer the temperature is around 210C;
• Average annual precipitation: 350-450 mm / year.
The thermal regime (air temperature) has moderate levels with a slight increase from west to
east. The rainfall range is between 350-450 mm and rain falls unevenly during the year.
The earliest vestiges found in the Danube Delta or its mainland proximity dates back to the
Neolithic age and Iron Age 3. Fortified settlements, proof of cultural and economic activities, as
well as abundant artifacts show an area of intense human presence, a population called Getae
by Greeks and Dacians by Romans. One of the first written references to the Danube Delta was
related to the Persian fleet entrance into this region, after stopping at Histria (515-513 b.C.). The
descriptions indicate that the delta was a space of sandbanks with seven branches and islands.
During the turbulence of the post-Roman and Byzantine period, mass movements of people
took place through the delta region and distinctive, organized society ceased. The situation
gradually improved so that by the 10th Century accounts of the fishing and commercial activities
at the ten ports of Sulina, Periprava and Vicina (present location unknown, but it is regarded as
the first town of the future Romania) were registered. In the XV Century, the Romanian states
lost the Danube Delta as well as Dobrogea, to the Ottoman Empire, thus until the XIX-lea
century the Danube Delta was a “terra incognito”. The main elements that shaped the local
communities in the delta area are the exchange activities in the Black Sea, through the
confluence of the three branches. This element allowed early trade activities involving over time
civilizations and major European powers. The high fertility of the land (more than 60% of
agriculture is located in Sfântu Gheorghe, Crişan and Sulina) has influenced two traditional
activities: fishing and livestock. The adverse conditions of the DD explain the low values of
certain demographic indicators like: the decline in terms of number of inhabitants, declining
trend, and low population density.
3
In the current document we refer to Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration as DDBRA
Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, page 114-119, Tulcea, September
2005
3
Currently, thirteen localities incorporating one town and 28 hamlets/villages are scattered in this
extended area, all of them concentrated along the Danube branches, as seen in Figure 1. The
available land surface is reduced, as most of the Danube Delta territory is flooded every year.
With the exception of two localities directly exposed to the Black Sea, the rest are located inside
the Delta, in sheltered locations. Distances to the main administrative capital of Tulcea Town
varies between 120 kilometers and 10-14 kilometers. All localities are to be reached mainly by
water. Regular public transportation by boat is available, thus all localities have their own small
harbors or landing facilities.
4
2. Demographic Aspects
The community the study refers to is located in the NUTS III area of Tulcea County, and covers
12 villages and one town 4, as follows:
Table 1: Villages and town of Danube Delta area covered by the study
Number Locality Villages in the Danube NUTS Area

Delta
1. Tulcea Tudor Vladimirescu V
2. Sulina Sulina V
3. Ceatalchioi Ceatalchioi V
4. Plauru V
5. Salceni V
6. Patlageanca V
7. Chilia Veche Chilia Veche V
8. Câşliţa V
9. Tatanir V
10. Ostrovu Tătaru V
11. Pardina Pardina V
12. C.A. Rosetti C.A. Rosetti V
13. Sfiştofca V
14. Letea V
15. Cardon V
16. Periprava V
17. Crişan Crişan V
18. Mila 23 V
19. Caraorman V
20. Maliuc Maliuc V
21. Partizani V
22. Gorgova V
23. Vulturu V
24. Ilganii de Sus V
25. Beştepe Bălţenii de Jos V
26. Mahmudia Mahmudia V
27. Nufăru Ilganii de Jos V
28. Murighiol Uzlina V
29. Sfântu Gheorghe Sfântu Gheorghe V
The demographic analysis covers all 12 villages and one town. Although only some of the
constitutive hamlets of Murighiol, Nufăru, Mahmudia and Beştepe are considered to be in the
4
Source: DDBRA - Direction for Environmental Protection, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere
Reserve”, page 15-35, Tulcea, September 2005
5
Danube Delta, all village population has been taken in consideration in order to follow the
current statistics and evaluate properly the trends. Thus, the extended population is of 23,312
inhabitants, while the Danube Delta population of the 28 localities and one town above
mentioned is of 13,694 inhabitants, as per July 2009.
2.1 Population and population age structure
In 2009, the communities in the Danube Delta consisted in 13,694 inhabitants with a density of
4 inhabitants/km2. The residents have their origin in 17 different ethnic groups that coexist in this
area for centuries, in terms of understanding and good communication. This population is
concentrated in 28 hamlets/villages organized in 12 localities and 1 town, located either entirely
in this area - CA Rosetti, Ceatalchioi, Chilia Veche, Crişan, Maliuc, Pardina, Sfântu Gheorghe,
and Sulina city, or partially: Tudor Vladimirescu (Tulcea), Nufăru, Beştepe, Mahmudia, and
Murighiol 5.
Over time, the Danube Delta population has experienced fluctuations linked to economic
developments. During the period 1992-2002, the number of inhabitants decreased by over
3,500 people, with an annual average decline of 2.5%, even though temporarily, in certain
years, the number increased. These increases were caused by inhabitants returning to rural
Delta areas due to restructuring activities in industries located in CA Rosetti (3.49%), Pardina
(3.38%), Ceatalchioi (1.61%). In other localities the decreasing trend was maintained: Sfântu
Gheorghe (-3.3%), and Maliuc (-1.5%).
After 2002, based on the last census data collected 6 in 2002, the population of Danube Delta
has shown a steady decrease, similar to the average value and trend at national level. The
average rate of annual decrease in population is of 5.01%, from 2002 to 2006, while in the last
two years the number of people living in the area recorded large fluctuations. In 2006-2008
young people returned in the delta due to rural tourism development, a fact that determined a
slight increase in the population. For 2009, the large decline is due to the labor migration to
Tulcea or other areas outside the delta area, mostly industrialized areas, which offer more
employment opportunities.
5
The statistics of the Romanian National Institute of Statistics refer to the total population of all 13 localities, even
though there are territories included entirely or partially in the Danube Delta. Due to this fact, the structure of
population by age group is analyzed based on statistics provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics.
However, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration provided data on the total population in the Danube
Delta and does not record other type of data.
6
Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010
6
7
Figure 2: Total population over time
As the Danube Delta includes large areas of lakes, streams, canals, swamps, and unfavorable
areas for settlements, population density is low: 4 inhabitants/km2 (2008 data). The isolation of
villages, the small number of people and the small dry land area contribute to preserving a small
number of inhabitants and a low density.
Taking into account the structure of the population by locality, the overall analysis show that
some communities have a reduced number of population, under 54 inhabitants – villages from
Chilia Veche (Tatanir, Caslita), while in Murighiol (Uzlina) has 6 inhabitants and Ostrovu-Tataru
no inhabitants. Thus, regarding the demography in Danube Delta, statistics indicate regressive
dynamics in most of the localities. An exception is Pardina, where the total population has
increased due to the intensive development of agriculture, which attracted a labor force from
poorer areas (Eastern Romania) or local areas with unemployed people (Sulina). As a general
remark, the migration from rural to urban areas (Tulcea) led to the population decrease in the
Delta. Many of those who left were young people, thus with a direct impact on the natural
population growth.
Alongside the resident households, there are many holiday houses, temporarily used in
summer-time. The number of seasonal population, including visitors, is estimated to 400-600
persons, by Tulcea County Council.
7
7
8
Figure 3: Inhabitants by locality
In terms of population structure by age groups, the overall analysis outlines an ageing
population in 36.4% of the Delta’s localities, mostly located in isolated areas and at long
distances from the main water transport channels, such as: Ceatalchioi and C.A. Rosetti,
Murighiol and Nufăru, Chilia Veche, Crişan and Sfântu Gheorghe. The ageing population and
the low natural population growth rate over time are reflected in the low available labor force in
the area. Nevertheless, the population in the Danube Delta is still active, specializing in the main
economic activities developed in the delta area. However, there is still a relatively low share of
elderly population due to the lower life expectancy rate and to migratory movement that
occurred some 20-25 years ago in the area. The lower number of young people (0-18) and older
people (>60) compared with adults generated a decrease in natural growth. Compared with the
national average, where the number of dependents 9 is 642, the actual figure in the Danube
Delta is 686.
8
9
The dependency ratio (by age) is a ratio expressed in percentage or absolute values between the population of
young age and old age population, on one hand, and adult-age population on the other hand. The number of
dependents refers to the number of unemployed people depending on the employed population.
8
10
Figure 4: Population structure by age group
Regarding the structure of population by sex and environment, women represent over 55% of
the population. Thus, reconsideration of and strengthening of the socio-economic role of women
requires the promotion of a policy based on equal opportunities and elimination of the
discrimination of the female population, which in many cases represents the majority of the total
population. Women can be an important component of the labor force, but unfortunately they
are underused. As an example, only 10 women are officially employed in aquaculture and
commercial fishing sector.
11
Figure 5: Population structure by gender
10
11
9
The population in the delta is mostly concentrated in rural areas (67%), compared to urban
areas (33%). Sulina is the only town, with a population of 4,527 inhabitants (as per 2008).
12
Figure 6: Population structure by environment
Fluctuations in birth and death rates have impacted on the natural growth rate, and resulted in
negative values since 1980, including 2002. The average annual increase per 1,000 inhabitants
shows a downward trend between the census exercises in 1977, 1992 and 2002, namely an
annual average decrease of 9%.
The death rate presents values which generally exceed the average of the country, being
generated by the large share of elderly population. This condition is characteristic to rural
settlements in the Delta, particularly those located in areas with difficult access, where mortality
was with 11.2% higher in 2002 than in 1992.
In conclusion, the population of the Danube Delta is characterized by the following trends:
• An aging population, with a total decrease of 6% in 2008 compared to 1999, similar to
the national level;
• A larger share of adult people (7,327 inhabitants) compared to young people (5,215
inhabitants);
• The population is concentrated mostly in rural areas (67%);
• Migratory movements have been recorded from rural areas to areas surrounding urban
centers such as Tulcea, Galati or Constanta.
12
10
2.2 Ethnicity and migration
According to the 2002 census, the main feature of the ethnic composition of the Delta is
homogeneity in particular communities but with a wide range of different ethnic groups and
therefore heterogeneity. Along with Romanians, which represent the majority (77.4%), the
ethnics with the largest share are Russian-Lipovans (16.95%), Ukrainians (3.52%), Greeks
(0.74%) and Roma people (0.81%). The statistics indicate that there are only 4 villages with
entirely Romanian population (100%), namely C.A. Rosetti, Nufăru, Ceatalchioi and Chilia
Veche. At the same time, another 10 villages have a predominantly Romanian population of
85%: Tudor Vladimirescu, Ceatalchioi, Maliuc. Also, there are villages where the population is
mostly of Russian-Lipovans: C.A. Rosetti - Sfiştofca (96.3%), C.A. Rosetti - Periprava (82.6%)
and Crişan - Mila 23 (66.2%). Caraorman is the only village populated mainly of Ukrainians
(80.4%). Other localities with many Ukrainians are C.A. Rosetti (37.7%), Crişan (31.3%), Sfântu
Gheorghe (18.4%), and Maliuc (16.3%). Although the ethnic structure of Danube Delta is very
diversified, as well as the entire historical area of the larger Dobrogea region, the delta may be
an example of ethnic cohesion. Along with Romanians, which are the majority, the other
nationalities are living in harmony, thus the Danube Delta is the most multi-cultural unit in
Romania.
13
Figure 7: Ethnicity in Danube Delta
Regarding the migration of the population, the downturn trend shown below is explained by
permanent migration from the Danube Delta to urban areas located nearby. The highest
migration per locality, with data as per 2008 was: Ceatalchioi (32 people), C.A.Rosetti (42
people), Chilia Veche (18 people), Nufăru (27 people), Crişan (23 people), and Sfântu
13
11
Gheorghe (23 people). Temporary migrations are often recorded in summer, when part of the
population returns to households located near their agricultural lands, especially by streams and
channels. The population migration takes different aspects depending on the purpose,
regularity, periodicity and duration. In general terms, the ratio between the incoming and out
coming population in the Danube Delta villages increased until 1999, due to the restructuring
activities in the industry, but decreased since 2000 due to the migration of the population. Figure
8 shows a large difference between the inflows and outflows, resulting into the decrease of the
total number of population 14.
15
Figure 8: Migration of the population
Population migration has a significant impact on the labor force, and in turn on economical and
social development of the area.
In conclusion, the main trends that shape the local communities in the Danube Delta, in terms of
ethnicity and migration are:
 17 ethnic populations coexist in harmony;
 An increasing trend of emigrants from the delta to the nearest urban centers, where
employment opportunities are higher;
 Emigration decreased slightly in localities where tourism developed recently.
14
The inflows refer to the changes of residences and the outflows to the departures of residences. Residence means
the place where a person is temporary living. Although the number of inflows were biggest than the outflows, there
was registered a decrease in the population, and not an increase because most of the population migrated in Tulcea
or nearest town, but did not change their home in the ID card, only their residences.
15
12
3. Economic Aspects
Fishing is one of the main economic sectors in the Danube Delta. More than 6% of the total
employed people 16 and 40% 17 of the total population are involved in fishing and related sectors.
Fishermen still use traditional wooden boats that can cross the narrow channels in order to
reach the lakes, which can exceed the area of 5,000 ha. Other relevant sectors are represented
by commerce, tourism, agriculture, and logistics activities. The number of registered enterprises
increased in the past years, due to the development of aquaculture and commerce. In spite of
this fact, the potential of the area is still unexploited in terms of tourism and agriculture activities.
3.1 Importance of economic activities
The main economic sectors in the Danube Delta are commerce (67 firms), tourism (61 hotels
and other facilities and 16 restaurants), agriculture (10 firms) and fishing and aquaculture (6
firms) 18. In places such as Sulina, Mahmudia or Murighiol commerce is the major registered
economic activity, while in Crişan, Murighiol or Sfântu Gheorghe, villages located close to the
major ports in the delta, tourism activity is prevalent. Across all three sectors, 84% of total firms
belong to tertiary sector. Although the Delta is renowned for its fishery resources and tourism
potential, statistics indicate that 33.84% of total firms have commerce as their main NACE code.
The highest increases per 2009 in terms of total number of companies are in construction
(85%), hotels and restaurants (65%) and wholesale (45%). Thus, economic development in the
Delta is related to commerce and tourism, in compliance with the potential of the area. Also,
food industry and construction are identified as potential niches, due to the development of the
area. A very important particularity in this economic picture is that professional fishermen are
not registered as companies (since they are self employed), so they do not count in these
statistics.
Since ancient times, fishing has been the main occupation of Danube Delta’s inhabitants and
although today the supply of fish has diminished, it continues to be the basic activity. Statistics
indicate that there are a very low number of firms in fishing (only 6) and 5 in aquaculture,
located in Sulina, C.A. Rosetti, Crişan, Mahmudia and Sfântu Gheorghe, and no firms are
registered in the fish processing industry with the Tulcea Trade Register Office, with their
headquarters in the Danube Delta. Company numbers increased over the last 5 years by 25%,
although their activity is insignificant compared with the potential of the area. In addition to
companies operating in fishing and aquaculture sector, commercial fishing, amateur fishing
(sports) and family fishing are official fishing activities.
Thus, the fish is caught by professional fishermen organized in associations, who sell the fish to
fish processing or trading companies. The total number of registered employees in the fisheries
sector working for registered companies must be added to the 1,500 self-employed professional
16
Statistics refer to employed persons registered with the Romanian labor authorities, working in the fishing and
fishery-related sectors, and exclude the professional fishermen.
17
Source: Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta
Biosphere Reservation”, page 169, Tulcea, 2008
18
Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010. The analysis has been made on registered active
companies, based on their main economic activity
13
fishermen. In order to become a professional fisherman a person has to attend a course of
fishing and submit a set of papers to obtain a permit issued by Danube Delta Biosphere
Reserve Administration (DDBRA).
A social protection measure enshrined in legislation for the Danube Delta’s local population
refers to family fishing. 19 The activity of family fishing is a right awarded to the local resident
families in the Danube Delta, in order to secure a living standard for the inhabitants. It is not
linked to professional fishing, nor to amateur purposes. Thus, inhabitants (usually men) holding
a family fishing permit have the right to fish up to 3 kg each day/per family member or a single
fish exceeding 3 kg, for their own consumption. DDBRA issue the family fishing permits and
eligibility criteria refer only to the residence of the family/person: to be registered in the Danube
Delta. A family fishing permit is a personal document, non-transferable, issued for an
undetermined time period, for a determined fishing area, that is verified on annual basis. The
law also stipulates the only gears allowed (2 rods, or 2 gillnets, or 2 pots). Water areas where
family fishing is allowed are administrated by local authorities (municipalities). In this context,
considering also the family fishing (families with an average of four members in each family), the
fishing activity represents the main activity for 40% of the Delta’s population, being the only
economic activity for the majority of the Danube Delta localities.
Another fishing activity refers to sports fishing. The number of amateurs is represented by
individual fishermen that have a sport fishing license issued by sports fishermen associations
legally established for recreational/leisure purposes. Also, tourists that occasionally fish in the
Danube Delta need such a permit. Sport fishing competitions are often organized in the Danube
Delta. The legislation also stipulates that the allowed amount of fish catches per day is up to 5
kg or one fish exceeding 5 kg, per sports fishing permit. The National Agency for Fisheries and
Aquaculture issues permits also specifying the allowed gears (rods). The sports fishing permits
were not taken into account 20, as there are no data for the DD only and thus they do not
generate safe conclusions regarding the local communities’ development, except that sports
fishermen put additional pressure on the fishery resources of the Danube Delta.
The major fish processing units are located outside the boundaries of the Danube Delta, the
area of study, especially in Tulcea County, because this type of activity requires utilities, other
basic infrastructure, transport infrastructure and a specialized labor force. Thus, the fishing
activity up to the first sale point is prevalent in the Danube Delta. Figure 9 shows the dynamics
of the number of permits issued by the local authorities in the Danube Delta for commercial
fishing, sports fishing and family fishing.
19
Source: Law No. 23/2008 on fisheries and aquaculture, amending and supplementing Law No. 192/2001 on
fisheries and aquaculture, issued in 2008, by Romanian Government
20
The number of sports permits refers to all the persons that can fish for leisure purposes in Romania. There is not a
number estimated for Danube Delta, only statistics at national level.
14
21
Figure 9: Number of permits for fishing issued in the Danube Delta
Thus, in 2009, 1,550 permits were issued, of which 32 were permits for
associations/organizations of fishermen, 15 were permits for fishing companies and research
institutes, 3 were environmental permits for catching sturgeon breeders and 1,500 were permits
for professional fishermen. The increasing trend of permits for professional fishermen and
boats/ships access is due to political and administrative changes. Thus, until 2005, fishery
resources were administrated by DDBRA which decided to reduce the number of permits to a
total of 1,500 according to the conclusions of research studies conducted by the National
Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta. In 2005, the new administrator became
National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) through the National Company for
Fishery Resources Management who issued unlimited permits for boats and ships access and
professional fishermen without following any regulations such. The company was subsequently
dissolved. Currently, DDBRA issues permits only for professional fishermen and family fishing,
and NAFA for sports fishing and boats/ships access. Concerning the family fishing permits, the
statistics show a decrease, at the same time as a decline in the total number of the population
21
Source: DDBRA, Activities reports of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration for 2004-2009, page 4-6,
at section “Control documents and permits issued by DDBRA”. There are no reports for 2008
15
of 10%. This is due to the migration of the population, especially young people, to urban areas
that offer attractive employment opportunities. Being a fisherman is inherited from father to son
and is learnt from the elderly people, being considered an intangible cultural heritage. This
know-how transfer concerning traditional fishing is at risk, because young persons are no longer
interested in this traditional activity 22.
23
Figure 10: Trends in key economic activities by no. of companies, 2005 to 2009
Concerning economic activities by turnover, the only available statistical data makes a
distinction by primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. The statistics show that most of the
companies are small businesses that have developed economic activities related to agriculture,
commerce, tourism and commercial fishing. The primary sector is prevalent in Sf. Gheorghe,
Murighiol and Crişan, the secondary sector in Mahmudia and tertiary in Sulina, Chilia Veche,
Crişan and Maliuc. Thus, the delta has a tertiary-primary profile (with a total number of 244
companies in the tertiary sector), strongly concentrated in Sulina town which holds about 60% of
employees in this sector. The profile of the municipalities by turnover shows that the delta area
has a strong tertiary profile (€228 million turnover), the only exception being Sfântu Gheorghe
village which has a primary profile. Crişan and Sulina villages are the most important economic
centers in the delta, with a share of 30% from the total market in terms of number of employees
and turnover value.
22
Source: Nicherşu Iulian, Marin Eugenia, Sela Florentina, Mierlă Marian and Lungu Eugenia, “Research on
heritage values of rural environment of the Danube Delta in order to sustain conservation measures”, National
Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta, page 3, Tulcea, 2009
23
Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010. The official data refer to companies by their
headquarters, and the targeted NACE code as main object of economic activity
16
Figure 11: Distribution of companies by number, by main economic activity in Danube Delta,
24
2008
25
Figure 12: Distribution by turnover (EUR) for main economic sectors in Danube Delta, 2008
24
Source: Tulcea Trade Register Office, statistics as per May 2010
25
17
Furthermore, the seasonality of non-fishery sector is prevalent for tourism and agriculture.
Although the length of the tourist season has expanded to April-October 26, the peak is in
August-September, when the mosquito season has passed. Tourism statistics indicate 144
classified accommodation units, of which 19 hotels, one motel, one tourist inn, 53 villas, 26
bungalows, 2 tourist stops, 2 tourism camp-sites for students, 2 camp-sites, 4 floating hotels
ships, 24 rural guest-houses and 10 urban guest-houses 27. The total capacity of tourism units is
2,747 beds. The total number of tourists who visited Danube Delta in 2009 was 71,550 with
125,891 overnights. In addition, a large number of local inhabitants use their own houses to
accommodate tourists. Thus, rural tourism is widespread in the Danube Delta territory, and is an
important source of income. Nevertheless, statistics indicate a decrease in the number of
visitors and their average expenditure of 10% in 2009 compared to 2008. Following the
seasonality pattern of fishing and agriculture, income from tourism activities has a seasonal
peak in the summer period too.
Also, due to the fact that agricultural lands were under seasonal flood for the last years, leading
to displacement of people to other areas in the delta, nowadays there are localities with none or
only a small number of inhabitants (Uzlina, Ostrovu-Tataru, Tatanir). Currently, there are 10
agricultural firms, an increase of 20% compared to 2005, covering 12.9% of the dry area,
equivalent to a total of 61,453 hectares. There are no functional livestock farms for intensive
breeding, thus the farms operate using the extensive system. The main locations are Letea,
Periprava, C.A. Rosetti, Sfistoca and Caraorman.
In conclusion, there is poor diversification of economic activities in the area. A rate of 40% of
total population is dependent on fishing and related activities. Also, there is low added value of
the local fisheries products due to the lack of local brands for specific products and certification
schemes necessary to promote and give additional value to these products. The poor
organization of producers, low added value of fishing products, limited access to bank loans for
local manufacturers and the difficult of fish-processors in accessing public funds are the main
elements that characterize the fishing activity in the area. All these elements, combined with
ecosystems’ destruction and pollution of the resources has caused a constant decrease in
aquaculture production.
3.2 Employment and unemployment
The active population of the area is about 35.3% with an employment rate of 86.69%
differentiated by the following activities: fishing, aquaculture and processing industry (15.3%),
agriculture and forestry (29%), industry, trade, construction and services (15.6%), tourism,
transport and communications (15.4%), health (1.9%), education and culture (5.7%), public
administration (13.5%) and others (3.6%).
26
Besides the official data taken into account when assessing the phenomenon of DD travel and tourism, it was
considered also the number of unauthorized accommodation activities with families.
27
Source: Romanian National Institute for Statistics, “Romanian Tourism in figures”, page 28, March 2007
18
Figure 13: Contribution of sectors to total employment in 2008
In 2008, 4,531 people were employed in the Danube Delta 28, representing an employment rate
of 86.69% of the active population (16 to 65 years old), similar to Tulcea county (82.82%). The
Danube Delta accounts for more part time employees, less full time employees and more self
employed residents, than Tulcea County as a whole. Also, statistics indicate a percentage of
13.31% unemployed people, higher than the national value (8.07%), unevenly distributed in the
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and neighboring localities.
The situation over time indicates an increase in employed people with the highest peak in 2007
(4,900 employees) followed by a decrease in 2009. Thus, the unemployment rate increased by
more than 8% in recent years.
28
Source: Tulcea Labour Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010
19
29
Figure 14: The employment and unemployment rate, 2002 to 2009
Full time employment by economic sector for Danube Delta is dominated by agriculture, forestry
and hunting with 13.98%, fishing and aquaculture with 15.31%, and transport, logistics and
communications with 14.7%. There are 1,822 employees in the primary sector, representing
44.34% of the total employment in the active population. In Sulina 12,54% of employment is in
the primary sector, while for the other villages it ranges between 84.15% (Rosetti) and 48.57%
(Maliuc). Regarding the secondary sector, 228 persons work (5.55%) as follows: Sulina has a
share of 8.25% and the other localities register values between 0.92% (C.A. Rosetti) and 4.71%
(Chilia). The biggest value is recorded in Maliuc (8.57%). The tertiary sector has 2,059
employees, representing 50.11% of the total, concentrated mostly in Sulina (50.9% of the
employment in Sulina) and Sfântu Gheorghe (42.48%). Due to the lack of jobs, in most of the
villages many active people have never been employed in productive activities. The share of the
active population ranges from 0.39% (C.A. Rosetti) to 21.65% (Crişan). 604 persons are
employed in logistics, representing 14.7% from the total employed people in the Delta, with the
biggest values in Sulina (487 people), which also concentrates almost 80.63% of the
employment population.
29
Source: Tulcea Labor Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010
20
30
Figure 15: Employment by key economic sector, 2004 to 2008
Thus, the overall analysis on the main economic sector in the Danube Delta indicates that
commerce, commercial fishing and agriculture have the largest number of employees: 1,302 in
commerce, 1,488 in commercial fishing, and 660 in agriculture (2008 data). Moreover, the
largest number of employees in all sectors is registered in Sulina (1,516), C.A. Rosetti (757) and
Chilia Veche (594). In what concerns the commercial fishing sector, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe
and Chilia Veche are the main localities where a large number of people work in this field.
Moreover, the fishery dependency graphic shows that Danube Delta’s local communities are
fishery-dependent, with a rate of 42% of the total number of employees. Also, the large share of
fishermen in the Danube Delta is due to the concession policy requiring the operator to hire a
local labour force 31.
30
Source: Romanian National Institute of Statistics, statistics as per May 2010. The decrease of the unemployment
rate is not equivalent with an increase of the employment rate, due to the following legislative issue: if an
unemployed person is not get hired within 12 months up to 16 months depending on lifespan, he/she is withdrawn
from the unemployment statistics and are no longer under the social security law. Also, most of women in the
Danube Delta are housewives, e.g. only 10 women are employed in commercial fishing and aquaculture. Most of the
employees are men.
31
Source: Nicherşu Iulian, Marin Eugenia, Sela Florentina, Mierlă Marian and Lungu Eugenia, “Research on
heritage values of rural environment of the Danube Delta in order to sustain conservation measures”, National
Institute for Research and Development Danube Delta, page 3, Tulcea, 2009
21
32
Figure 16: Number of economic agents by locality, 2005-2009
The largest numbers of unemployed are registered in Sulina (111 persons), Mahmudia (108
persons), Murighiol (77 persons) and Beştepe (68 persons). The highest increase in the
unemployment rate is recorded in Mahmudia, Nufăru and Beştepe. The data show a decline in
the unemployment rate during 2002-2007 due to the diversification of economic activities in the
Danube Delta, especially fishery, transport and tourism. In spite of this positive trend, an
important increase was recorded in 2008-2009 due to economic crisis that resulted in small
businesses stopping their activities.
32
22
33
Figure 17: Unemployed people by locality, 2002 to 2009
The development of the Danube Delta in the past years was related to tourism and fishing
sectors. According to the available data, only 6% of the total number of employees is officially
registered in the fishing sector (71 persons in commercial fishing and 339 persons in
aquaculture sub-sector) but this of course excludes the 1,500 professional fishermen).
In conclusion, the main trends and changes in the Danube Delta are related to the following:
 Given the natural conditions in Danube Delta, agriculture appears as a sector with
limited development potential. The conditions are not favorable for crop production:
small areas of land (only about 15% of the total area), low fertility of land (with prevailing
conditions of salt and sand or poorly developed alluvial soils). Livestock is favored due to
local conditions.
 The Danube Delta is known at an international level for its unique character, which
combines nature (colonies of birds, lush forests, sandy banks), recreational uses
(fishing, beach season) and ethno-cultural elements (folk architecture, customs and
specific traditions). Based on these competitive advantages the tourism sector has
developed in the area. There are 144 accommodation units, with 19 hotels, a motel, a
tourist inn, 53 villas, 26 bungalows, 2 tourist stops, 2 tourism camp-sites for students, 2
camp-sites, 4 accommodations on ships, 24 rural guest-houses and 10 urban guest-
houses 34. The total capacity of the accommodation units numbers 2,747 beds seats,
with an occupancy rate of 39.1% in August in 2009. The total number of visitors in 2009
was 71,550, with 125,891 overnights.
33
Source: Tulcea Labor Employment Agency, statistics as per May 2010
34
Source: Romanian National Institute for Statistics, “Romanian Tourism in figures”, page 28, March 2007
23
 Most industrial units are concentrated in urban areas of the Delta. Thus, the industry is
developing based on exploitation of Delta’s resources – fishery resources, agricultural
(vegetable, grain, livestock), reeds, the metallic ores and construction materials. Among
these resources, fish and reeds have the greatest importance, both at local level for the
economy of the delta area and at national level – the delta is known as the first base
stock of the country with the largest area of reeds (160,000 ha).
 Although many direct jobs were lost by modernizing the production technologies in the
processing units, overall, the number of persons involved in fisheries and fisheries-
related activities increased (fish, agriculture, hydraulic design, shipbuilding, and
aquaculture exploitation), and these activities are now the main sources of employment
in Murighiol, Dunavăţul de Jos, Dunavăţul de Sus, and Tudor Vladimirescu.
3.3 Infrastructure
3.3.1. Transport and access infrastructure
The Danube Delta is one of the most attractive landscapes in Europe, but promoting it is difficult
as long as transport infrastructure is poor. Limited access roads and their poor quality represent
a real obstacle in developing tourism in the Delta. Currently, the key infrastructure
weaknesses 35 identified for Tulcea County Council, including the Danube Delta, are the
following: inadequate technical condition of road network, very old railway network (a single line
without electricity), inadequate port infrastructure and landings, road destruction by heavy
vehicles, commercial traffic dropped in the international border crossing point Tulcea – Izmail,
lack of properly equipped tourist ports and the absence of a bridge over the Danube between
Tulcea and Braila disrupts traffic of goods and passengers.
Air transport services are provided by “Delta” airport, located 14 km from Tulcea, on the road
to Constanta, and administrated by Tulcea Local Council. Currently, the airport has no
scheduled flights, only charters, given the fact that Bucharest – Constanta – Tulcea trip lasts at
least 4 hours. In recent years, important investments in its infrastructure have been carried out:
rehabilitation of the runway and its extension to 2,000 meters, lighting, and fencing its
surroundings. These investments allow land/take off of Boeing 737-size aircrafts, in full safety
conditions. Taking into account the fact that this airport does not function in proper conditions,
the air transport services are provided by “Mihail Kogalniceanu” airport in Constanta County,
which organizes charter courses. Also, the airport provides for constant military air services.
The rail transportation is provided by a railway network which ensures transportation

conditions for slow trains, while Tulcea is the passenger and cargo railway terminal. The
passenger system provides two daily trips on Bucharest – Tulcea return, and four daily return
35
Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, National Center for Sustainable Development, UNPD
Romania and Tulcea County Council, “Local Agenda - Sustainable Development Plan of Tulcea County”, page 22-
26, Tulcea, 2007
24
trips Tulcea – Constanta. The railway transport faces serious competition from the road
transport companies, as they are cheaper and faster, but with a low safety level for passengers.
The road transport of passengers is provided to all localities on dry land. Contact outside
Tulcea County is ensured by daily trips to Bucharest, Constanta, Galati, and Braila. The
transport is based on minibuses and buses. Three main companies cover the passenger road
transport activity:
S.C. Public Transport S.A S.C. Augustina S.R.L. S.C. Atlassib Tulcea
Address: No. 148, Babadag, Address: 158 Babadag Street, Bl. Address: 121 Pacii Street, Bl.
Tulcea county 13, Sc. B, Ap. 4, Tulcea county 128, Sc. A, ap. 4., Tulcea county
Phone number: +40 240 534 278 Phone number: +40 743 334 840 Phone number: +40 240 519 377
The public road network in Tulcea County consists of 325,657 kilometers of national roads,
480,561 km county and 511,225 km communal roads. Out of the 325,657 km of national roads,
152,744 km represent the European road E87. From 480,561 km county roads, 12,000 km (2%)
are modernized roads, 416,132 km (87%) light asphalt roads and 54,429 km (11%) paved
roads. Only 16,3% of county roads are in good state, 39,2% are in an average state and 44.5%
in a bad or very bad state.
Passenger and freight water transport is very important for the local economy, taking in
account the fact that more than half of the Tulcea county surface is covered by the Danube
Delta, and all delta communities are to be reached solely by water. The main ports in the
Danube Delta are: Sulina port, Tulcea, Chilia Veche, Mahmudia, Isaccea, Caraorman and
Sfântu Gheorghe ports. The ports provide transport of goods through ships and barges that may
have the capacity up to 18,000 dwt. Unfortunately, most vessels operating in the county are old,
built in the 1970s (“Banat”, “Vrancea”, “Moldova”, “Mehedinti” of 300 passengers, “Mircesti” and
“Maramures” of 150 people, “Cotnari” 60 places, “Fieni” 30 seats) with reduced speed and
heavy handling. The state company Navrom Tulcea owns these vessels along with two
catamarans, each of 200 seats, and operates on the following routes: Tulcea – Sulina, Tulcea –
Chilia, Tulcea – Periprava and Tulcea – Sfântu Gheorghe, every 2 days. Also, a few rapid
boats with 600 seats each operate daily to Sulina, Chilia and Sfântu Gheorghe. The boats are
owned by three private companies: S.C. Basnav Tur S.R.L., S.C. Total S.R.L. and S.C. Diana
Shipping S.R.L. The total cost for a trip is of app. Euro 7.
In relation to the navigable main channels in the Danube Delta 36, navigation is carried out both
by tonnage vessels (maximum gauge 200 m long, 28 m width and draft of 7.32 m) on Sulina
channel (Maritime Danube to Braila port) and other types of ships that can travel both on Chilia,
Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe channels as well as and interior channels.
Given the highly protected status of the Danube Delta, including strictly protected areas, buffer
and economic areas; the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration has established the
following navigation paths:
36
Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan for Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, page 367-368, September 2005
25
 Open shipping routes, throughout the year, subject to the rules of internal and
international navigation;
 Open shipping routes within the hydrographic units located between the 3 branches of
Danube: motor boats, ships and small boats without powered engines, with permits to
practice transport activities, issued by the Tulcea Local Council;
 Open shipping routes within the hydrographic units located between the 3 branches of
Danube: motor boats, low draft vessels and ships without powered engines, with permits
to practice transport activities, issued by Tulcea Local Council;
 Navigable routes located in the natural lakes and streams, spawning aquatic fauna,
economic and buffer zones are open only for vessels without mechanic propulsion or
recreational trips and for vessels with powered engine only on limited periods, in certain
conditions;
 Inside the protected areas, only for scientific research and monitoring purposes;
 Open shipping routes for tourism activities on lakes and streams with vessels with
powered engines annually authorized by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
Administration. The routes are located in economic and buffer zones (on the routes there
are placed signals for navigation regulations and protection areas crossed by the
navigable routes).
The main disadvantages for the entire range of economic activities that can be practiced in
Danube Delta are the general isolation and its access roads. The access to the economic
centers is difficult because of the large share of water transport, whose rhythm is very sensitive
to the changes of the natural conditions (freezing, low or high water blocks). If for some sectors
(e.g. fishing) no changes will be determined by improving the transport means, for other sectors,
including fish processing, an expansion of the land transport network can bring substantial
economic benefits.
3.3.2. Utilities and general infrastructure
Poor utilities infrastructure contributes to the general decline of the Delta, including its isolation.
The only subsidies given refer to water transport. The costs for electricity and water
consumption are very high, due to the isolation. The overall analysis on the level of endowment
with basic utilities of the 13 localities indicates the following current situation 37:
Water:
 Most of the localities do not have access to running water, sewerage systems and
wastewater treatment plants.
 Three localities have full water systems (running water, wastewater systems and
wastewater treatment plants): Sulina, Murighiol, and Crişan, while Mahmudia has a
sewerage system and no treatment station (feasibility studies prepared for the extension
of sewerage system and construction of the sewage station);
37
Source: Tulcea County Council, according to Local Development Plans of each 13 localities in the Danube Delta
(www.cjtulcea.ro), Tulcea, 2010
26
 Several water projects are under implementation or in preparation phase (feasibility
study phase) and refer to water supply, sewerage utilities and pumping or sewage
stations: C.A. Rosetti, Ceatalchioi, Chilia Veche, Caraorman, Nufăru, Murighiol or
Maliuc. The projects under implementation will be finalized in 2011. There are also
localities where the rehabilitation of basic utilities is not included in the local development
plans: Beştepe and Pardina;
Waste:
 In Sfântu Gheorghe operates a waste transfer station, as well as one of the county
waste landfills;
 No rural locality have waste management systems in place;
 All 13 localities are members of the "County Association for Infrastructure Development
of Household Waste" in Tulcea, aimed at monitoring, supervising and implementing the
"Integrated Waste Management System in Tulcea County" project to be financed by
Sectoral Operational Programme for Environment;
Energy:
 All localities in Danube Delta are connected to the national power system, yet all need
extensions of the local systems.
Central heating systems:
 None of the 13 localities has a central heating system.
Flood risk:
 Due to the location of the villages in the Danube Delta, a permanent problem is the need
to strengthen municipal land flooded by water through resistant tree plantations which
can act as protection curtains.
Conclusions on local infrastructure in the Danube Delta:

 Lack of utilities (water and sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, central
heating systems, electricity) in the most of the Danube Delta communities;
 Difficult to supply with food and other consumer goods, especially in winter, which
causes high cost of any product due to shipping. In addition, Delta has a poor network of
transportation, depending exclusively on water means;
 The major risk is related to floods, especially in spring when Danube volume raises and
in spring and autumn due to storms caused by northeast winds, affecting marine and
shore by abrasion;
 Advanced state of degradation of building/old facades and lack of rehabilitation
strategies for architectural monuments in Danube Delta, thus affecting the area's tourism
potential.
3.3.3. School infrastructure
Education is very important, being directly linked to socio-economic integration and the potential
income level at family level, as well as to the level of aspirations and needs. In the Danube
Delta, there are 412 persons with higher education (teachers, engineers, doctors, economists
and other professions), and 1,000 with secondary education (teachers, doctors, technicians,
27
ecologists and other categories). Out of the total active population, 75% have completed a full
school cycle, 11% primary school and 4% are illiterate.
In 2010, the school system has 187 employees, of which 94 are professors, 83 are teachers, 3
are psychologists, 4 are directors and 2 are foremen. 75% of the total number of teachers are
women (142) and 25% are men (45). Concerning their level of education, 69 persons have
completed secondary school and 16 have a post-secondary school, while 78 persons have
higher education and 7 teachers have a Ph.D diploma. Only 15 persons have graduated a
pedagogy institute/course, thus less than 0.08% are qualified teachers. Moreover, only 45% of
the total are teachers by profession (86), while 35% are qualified (43) and unskilled (26)
substitutes.
The total number of educational units is of 19, thus less than one school per locality (29
localities) 38. There are 1,501 pupils, of which 628 pupils are in primary schools, 707 in
secondary and 166 in high school 39. Children enrolled in kindergarten are of 410.
Educational statistics highlight that teachers with a higher education in Danube Delta are less
than 50% of the national average. This condition is linked to the hard living conditions in isolated
localities, not meeting the aspirations and needs of these professionals. Teachers with
secondary education (secondary and post-secondary) represent only one third of the national
average and less than half of the Tulcea County average. This condition shows a gap in terms
of secondary and complementary studies.
Referring to fishing sector, statistics show a decline in the share of employees who have
completed primary education and an increase of employees with secondary education. Thus
overall, there has been a general increase in the level of education of the employees of this
sector, although the employees who have completed primary education still represent 50%.
38
Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Educational status in Danube Delta localities for 2008-2009 school
year”, statistics as per May 2010
39
Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Record of pupils in the schools of Danube Delta”, statistics per
2009-2010 school year
28
Only 6 employees have higher education. In comparison, the aquaculture sub-sector recorded
no change to the level of education of the engaged employees. The declines indicated by the
statistics took place due to the decreasing trend of the total number of employees in this sub-
sector representing seasonal labour force. Only 0.03% have higher education.
40
Figure 18: Education level of labour force in commercial fishing and aquaculture
Regarding the education infrastructure, it differs from one locality to another. In villages,
especially for those which are community centers, the schools and kindergartens are better
equipped to deal with the number of students. Another characteristic is the lack of canteens and
boarding schools as children from villages where there are no primary schools (being isolated)
have to travel long distances, sometimes in very difficult conditions in order to attend schools
from community centers.
There are 5 public primary schools (Periprava, Gorgova, Letea, Partizanii de Sus and Dunavăţ
de Sus), 12 public secondary schools units (Ceatalchioi, Pardina, Chilia Veche, C.A. Rosetti,
Crişan, Sfântu Gheorghe, Caraorman, Maliuc, Beştepe and Murighiol, Dunavăţu de Jos, Mila
23), one school of arts and crafts (Murighiol) and 1 high school (Sulina), covering
homogeneously the community needs 41. There are no private schools located in the area. The
second grade schools cover different disciplines, from classical to scientific, artistic and
linguistic areas. Furthermore, given the strong fisheries dependency of the communities, a
number of technical, commercial and other schools specialize in fishing-related subjects, such
as “Economic College Danube Delta”.
40
Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics per May 2010
41
Source: Tulcea County School Inspectorate, “Map of education facilities in Tulcea county”, statistics as per May
2010 (www.isjtl.edu.ro)
29
3.4 Local development plans
The Danube Delta has a great fishing tradition, with great biological diversity and landscape
views, where alternative economic activities can be developed in order to increase population’s
revenues without increasing the pressure on the existing fisheries. Along the Danube River, the
main occupation of the population is fishing or aquaculture. In order to maintain sustainable
fishing and increase its competitiveness, a number of activities are needed: diversification of
fishing products in line with the consumers’ demands and quality and food safety standards,
market transparency and consumer information. The main strategy that regulates the fishing,
aquaculture and processing sub-sector at national level, including Danube Delta is the National
Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013 (NSP).
The overall objective of the strategy for fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector is promoting a
competitive, dynamic, modern and sustainable fishing sector, taking in account the
environmental, economic and social development issues. The key issues facing the fisheries
sector are:
 The decrease of fish catches, both in fresh and sea waters, caused by the extension of
pollution, habitat destruction, lack of catching material and inadequate technical
infrastructure;
 Lack of investments, degrading fishing facilities, increased production costs and
uncertain legal status of the lands have led to a decrease in the production in
aquaculture;
 Low productivity and poor quality of fishery products mainly influenced by reduced
access to credit, inadequate and inefficient use of existing resources, obsolete
infrastructures and equipments, lack or effective management and marketing
knowledge;
 Poor organization of the market due to the lack of first sale facilities, lack of producers’
organizations, the production-processing-trading chain badly organized and lack of
transparency in the market.
 Significant gap between imports and exports - the main cause is a poor diversity of
valuable aquaculture species, as well as a narrow range of processed products.
In order to address these issues, the National Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013 proposes
the following strategic pillars: (1) ensuring sustainable development of current fisheries sector in
Romania; (2) fishery products market development; (3) strengthening the capacity of
government fisheries sector in Romania. Regarding the first pillar of the strategy, the aim of this
plan is to help the Romanian enterprises to face open competition within the Community and
with third countries enterprises in the Romanian fishing sector. Taking in account the second
pillar, the transition to a market economy should be completed with the development of an
internal market that allows the Romanian enterprises not only to increase their competitiveness
internally but in a new open market. Referring to the third pillar, the 2 objectives mentioned
above can be accomplished only if the human resources involved in the fishing sector have the
proper knowledge.
30
The key priorities of the NSP 2007 – 2013:
- Sustainable exploitation of the fishery resource potential
- Increased competitiveness of the sector
- Sector structure and economic environment
- Development of fishing areas
- Human capital and the territorial dimension of the Common Fishing Policy
- Improved management of the fishing and aquaculture sector
The European Fishery Fund will be the basic instrument in achieving most of the NSP's
priorities through the Operational Programme Fisheries of Romania 2007-2013.
The Romanian NSP priorities are in line with the priorities of the European Fishing Fund. In this
respect, the priority objective of the NSP could be achieved as follows:
− Increasing fisheries security and food safety axis 1, axis 2 and axis 3;
− Improving the living conditions of people involved in fishery sector can be achieved by
axis 2 (increasing the number of aquaculture sites and processing units), axis 4
(diversifying fishermen’s economic activities) and by axis 3 (developing professional
skills of fishermen). Life quality improvement will be achieved through axis 4.
− Environmental protection will be mostly concerned by axis 3 (protection of wild flora and
fauna, rehabilitation of inland waters and implementation of the NATURA 2000 network),
by axis 2 (through the development of aquaculture facilities in line with the NATURA
2000 regulations) and by axis 4 (for sustainable development of the fisheries areas).
− Good governance will be covered by axis 3 and 5, through the strengthening of
institutional structures, the improving of data collection systems, the enhancing of
control, the improving of the legal framework, the better organization of the producers,
training of specialists and the creation of public-private partnerships.
The NSP also indicates the following measures concerning the Danube Delta:
Priority Strategic Measure

Axis Direction
Axis 1 Sustainable • Conservation measures in order to protect endangered
exploitation of species (sturgeons) will be achieved through national
the fishery and European regulations.
resource • Modernization of fishing vessels
potential • Adjustment of the fishing effort by permanent cessation
of activities of fishing vessels
• Development of inland water fishing, by creating landing
and trading facilities
Axis 2 Increase the • Increasing the number of aquaculture and processing
competitiveness units
of fishing sector • Modernization of existing aquaculture units
• Modernization and expansion of existing processing units
• Encouraging the traditional aquaculture
• Support for promotional activities for the fisheries
products
31
Axis 4 Development of • Integrated management program for fishery areas;
fisheries areas • Creating opportunities for generating alternative income
among the inhabitants from fishery areas;
• Creating specific infrastructure through ensuring a
qualitative processing equipment;
• Construction of three harbors at the Black Sea, 5 landing
points and 5 shelters
• Modernizing and construction of landing points jetties in
Danube Delta
• Fish auctions in Tulcea and Constanta
The local development strategies up to 2013 of the 13 localities in the Danube Delta propose
to maintain economic prosperity and social cohesion and to create a value for local products, by
creating jobs in the sector (especially for women and youth) and by supporting diversification of
economic activities for fishing communities, thereby increasing the quality of life. Each locality
from the existing 28 has as main two strategic directions: to create or rehabilitate the basic
infrastructure and to build on the tourism potential. The expansion and rehabilitation of basic
infrastructure for sustainable development of the localities is also mentioned in the Master Plan
and aims at creating/extending the water supply and sanitation network in the 28 localities.
Given the potential of the tourism sector (creating jobs, contributing to the local economy, social
impact), rural tourism development in the territory of the localities is a priority. The main projects
with great impact in the tourism and fishing activities are: modernization of the transport
infrastructure to the tourist area Murighiol-Uzlina-Dunavăţ-Razim Lake and modernization of
tourist ports of Sfântu Gheorghe and Murighiol.
The following strategies outline the main measures applied at local level, related to Danube
Delta, issued by various authorities that administrate the Danube Delta:
1. The Regional Master Plan for the Danube Delta, issued in 2005, 42 focuses on managing
the process of regional and local change for accelerated growth and improvement of quality of
life in a sustainable manner. The Master Plan identifies the changes Delta must face, develops
solutions to solve the issues identified and, finally, establishes priorities for the action plan.
According to this strategic document, the Delta has to invest about 140 million euro, an amount
that would be directed to complete the five proposed key objectives. The list of priorities
concerns are: improving the infrastructure of public utilities, transport and communications, the
development of alternative traditional economic activities in order to reduce pressure on fishery
resources, supporting local conservation by improving the monitoring system of the Danube
Delta ecosystems and the ecological reconstruction of certain areas of Danube Delta Biosphere
Reserve territory. In terms of economic activities, the Master Plan proposes local people to get
involved into tourism as a main occupation and less commercial fishing; the Delta would be
rebuilt in terms of natural conservation by flooding the unprofitable agricultural areas.
In relation to the fishery component and ecological reconstruction, which, according to the
Master Plan, will be implemented progressively until 2015, the following objectives have been
42
Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan for Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, Tulcea, September 2005
32
set, with direct impact upon the fishing and aquaculture activity: (1) restoration of hydrological
and ecological balance; (2) creation of new habitats for fish and birds; (3) restoration of
traditional activities: fishing reed harvesting, ecotourism; (4) reintegration to natural hydrological
cycle of certain agriculture and fishery economic areas.
2. Tourism has been identified as the main engine for the development of the Danube Delta,
thus tourism may became the central activity stimulating both the conservation process and the
environmental protection for sustainable economic development. In order to promote the
Danube Delta, eight major areas covering different Danube Delta were identified in the
Strategic Plan for sustainable tourism development in the Danube Delta 2009-2013 and
the criteria was based on two important factors, namely: (1) the existing condition of tourism and
leisure in the areas addressed; (2) the main natural/cultural elements underpinning the quality of
experience that each area can offer, given the unique market positioning of each area 43. The
targeted areas are Tulcea, Chilia, Letea, Crişan, Sulina-Sfântu Gheorghe, Murighiol, Jurilovca,
and Corbu. Taking into account the specific of each area, the main objectives of the strategy for
the period 2009-2013 are as follows:
• Promoting the rural/cultural tourism;
• Preserving and protecting the biodiversity of natural habitats;
• Preserving the cultural heritage;
• Economic development of local communities in the D.D. territory with the involvement of
local communities;
• Tourism management in D.D. territory.
Furthermore, the key sectors identified for investments are the fishing sector, transport and
tourism infrastructure development, information and communication and rehabilitation of cultural
objectives. For the fishing sector, the main directions established in the strategy are referring
mainly to sport fishing that is the most developed form of tourism in Danube Delta, as following:
 Support for local communities in creating fishermen associations for traditional fishing in
order to promote and develop the local tourism initiatives;
 Diversification of tourism by promoting elements from mainland of the Danube Delta
(Casla-Vadana, Musura, Periprava, Sfântu Gheorghe, Sulina, Perivolovca, Erenciuc,
Uzlina, Isacova, Murighiol). Currently the fishing and hunting activities represents the
main attraction for internal tourists and visitors;
 Developing the resources for bird watching and sport fishing in Babina-Cernovca area by
opening a channel of access to the area of reeds, with a strict visitor management
control.
Related to the Master Plan implementation, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
Administration undertakes annual investment programmes. The proposed investments in 2010
are as follows:
43
According to “Recreation and tourism zoning strategy for the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, DDBRA
33
Project Total value
Rehabilitation of Sulina information center €77,351
Rehabilitation and modernization of Crişan information center €181,723
Planning access routes and ornithological observer in DDBR €344,953
Forestation for banks consolidation €248,553
Rehabilitation of natural forest €210,738
Rehabilitation of the following information and environmental €1,190,615
education centers: Chilia Veche, Caraorman, C.A. Rosetti,
Murighiol and Sfântu Gheorghe
Ecological reconstruction in fish decorations: Chilia, €1,258,601

Murighiol, Dunavăţ
Ecological reconstruction in agricultural land €2,655,441
in Murighiol and Dunavăţ
The main funding source of these projects are structural instruments, and to a small extent
DDBRA’s own budget.
3. The National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable
Use of its Components 44, and the Action Plan 2010 outlines the major constraints that define
Danube Delta regarding its conservation and biodiversity: land conversion to urban
development, industrial, agricultural, tourism and transport; expansion and development of cities
and villages in the area; overexploitation of natural resources; climate changes and pollution.
Strategic directions. The conservation actions proposed in this strategy aim to:
 Halt the decline of biological diversity represented by genetic resources, species,
ecosystems and landscapes and restoring degraded systems by 2020;
 Integrate conservation of biodiversity policies into all sectoral policies by 2020;
 Promote traditional practices and innovative methods as measures to support
biodiversity conservation according to sustainable development principles by 2020;
 Improve communication and education in terms of biodiversity and environmental
protection by 2020.
The strategy states the fact that the preservation actions directed to protected areas, in general,
and Danube Delta in particular, can occur only by exploiting the natural beauty as such. Most of
the management plans of the protected areas set as a priority to promote and create
opportunities for sustainable development of local economy, thus maintaining it in acceptable
limits of entropic impact, highlighting the values of biodiversity.
Fishery component, Priority D. “Sustainable use of components in terms of biodiversity”,

strategic direction D3. “Wild species with economic value exploitation”, identifies as a main
problem with regard to fisheries, the lack of proper assessment of the conservation status of
44
The strategy is issued by the National Ministry of Environment and Forests,
http://www.mmediu.ro/protectia_naturii/biodiversitate/Strategie_Biodiversitate_2000_Ro.pdf
34
wild fish stocks and the conflicting existing data. The main measures proposed are the
following:
 To promote sustainable use of species with economic value;
 To develop technical conservation measures for ensuring sustainable use of species of
economic interest;
 To declare the prohibition of aquaculture practices and captive breeding of wild hunting
interest that may affect the conservation status of wildlife and natural habitats.
4. Tulcea County Local Plan for Sustainable Development (Agenda 21), 2007, identifies
agriculture, fishing and stone extraction as traditional economic sectors that need to be
supported. Aquaculture is a growing activity, although this is influenced by significant reduction
of fishery resources in the natural environment and the EU rules for professional fishermen
accessing funding sources.
Project Objective Source of Total value

funding
Terminal Improving air transport facilities for tourists in Not €6,500,000
modernization the Danube Delta in accordance with established
and separation international standards for air passengers.
of passenger The main results expected are: terminal
flows in Airport building on 4.150 sqm, flow separation for
Danube Delta, arrivals and departures, flow separation for
Tulcea extra and intra departures in Schengen area,
taking in consideration the fact that Tulcea
represents the European Union’s eastern
border since 2007.
Infrastructure Sustainable tourism development and Regional €23,000,000
modernization business environment in the south-eastern Operational
to touristic area part of Tulcea County Program
Murighiol- by improving regional access to the Danube
Uzlina-Dunavăţ Delta. The main results expected are road
- Razim Lake infrastructure modernization and
environmental restoration for road
infrastructure.
Rehabilitation of Creating leisure structures in order to Regional €25,000,000

tourist ports: increase the number of tourists and to Operational
Sfântu develop tourist recreation activities with Program
Gheorghe, impact on the length of stay in the Danube
Murighiol and Delta. The major activities of the project
Sarichioi refer to: rehabilitation of mooring quays for
each port, fuel for power stations with
gasoline and diesel, points of repair and
ships maintenance equipped with necessary
facilities, construction of administrative and
commercial spaces, connection to utilities for
each port, landing points for at least 20
leisure boats, specialized ecological toilets
and collection areas.
35
System for Eliminate the negative consequences of Ministry of €5,000,000
collection, inadequate management of waste generated Environmen
processing and both in the t
waste localities of Danube Delta as well as in
transportation in tourist routes and campsites.
the Danube
Delta
Greening the Restoration of specific landscape in Ministry of €400,000
Caraorman Caraorman sand area Environmen
sand area t
Ecological Reintegration of agricultural and fishery Rural €4,200,000
reconstruction facilities abandoned because of the floods Developme
of agricultural events and rehabilitation of access nt Program
land Murighiol – infrastructure with natural areas located
Dunavăţ outside of these facilities.
Ecological Reintegration of agricultural and aquaculture Fishery €2,000,000
reconstruction facilities abandoned because of the floods Operational
of Murighiol events and rehabilitation of access Program
aquaculture site infrastructure with natural areas located
outside of these facilities.
Ecological Împroving local infrastructure in order to Regional €300,000
information facilitate public access and information Operational
center in Sfântu regarding the touristic areas in Sfântu Program
Gheorghe Gheorghe and Danube Delta area. A
specific objective of the project refers to
increase the involvement of local
communities in environmental issues.
The main funding source of these projects are structural instruments, the Cohesion Fund, and
the Tulcea County public budget.
In conclusion, the local development plans concerning Danube Delta area refer to measures to
develop local fisheries-dependent communities and to offer various alternatives for a
sustainable growth in order to reduce the pressure on natural resources.
36
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
The Danube Delta is the largest fishing area in Romania, and accounts for 80% of the total
volume of fish catches. Over the past 10 years, the fishing sector has recorded a decrease in
total catch volume (30%) and total value. In 2009 almost 2,090 tones were landed by the
Danube Delta fleet. Gibel carp dominates the catches in terms of value (€ 3.304 mil in 2008)
and volume (826 tonnes in 2008). The strongest reductions are related to bream, mackerel and
carp, while the other species have had a constant dynamic over the time. The landing facilities
in the Danube Delta cover 6 harbors located in Tulcea, Sulina, Chilia Veche, Mahmudia, Sfântu
Gheorghe and Caraorman and there are landing places in almost all villages.
A main need identified in the aquaculture sub-sector is the rehabilitation of the farms that have a
large role in preserving the ecological systems. Thus, many sites, although operated by private
companies, are now abandoned in terms of aquaculture and their main activities reduced to
recreational fishing or intensive agriculture. Also, there are extremely few fish processing
companies in the Delta because most of the Danube Delta’s localities are isolated areas, thus
the transport, storage and electricity costs are very high. Also, the lack of educated people in
the Danube Delta is a constraint due to legal requirements for specialized/qualified personnel in
the food industry. The ancillary sub-sector is represented by a few companies involved in repair
and maintenance of ships and boats.
4.1 Details of the local fishing fleets
Before 1993, when the Romanian Company for Marine Fishing closed its activity, the Romanian
deep sea fleet was composed of 47 trawler vessels, with processing facilities on board, 12
transport cooling vessels, and 2 fuel supply vessels. Nowadays, the deep sea fleet has ceased
its activity. Regarding the small scale fishing fleet operating in the Danube Delta, its catches are
not properly assessed due to difficulties in recording the landings and the absence of organized
sale points.
Since 2006, investors became interested in marine and inland fishing activities and have started
to build new vessels (for small scale fishing activity). According to the Fishing Vessel Register 45,
2,256 boats fish in the Danube and Danube Delta, and are mainly traditional and old vessels.
Although the small size of the fishing fleet does not justify the development of fishing ports, it
should be noted that the large distances crossed by fishing vessels from fishing areas to ports
require modernized facilities. Of the total number of fishing boats, the fleet segment concerning
the Danube Delta includes only 1,219 vessels (2009 data). The only data available indicates a
large share of boats are smaller than 12 m (1,215), and 4 boats are larger than 12 m. In
general, the fishing boats are small and do not require crew to maneuver; only professional
fishermen holding commercial fishing permits direct them. Also, each individual boat must hold
a license for commercial fishing. The average age of the fishing boats is around20 years.
45
The Fishing Vessel Register is managed by the National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture (NAFA)
37
46
Table 2: Fleet segment of the Danube Delta
Added engine
Area Number Added tonnage
power (kW)
Danube 1,333 1,715.76 2,144.46

Danube Delta 923 670.25 2,882.94
(2008 data)
TOTAL for 2008 2,256 2,386.01 5,027.40
Danube Delta 1,219 There are no There are no
(2009 data) available data available data
Trawlers are forbidden in the delta. In addition, the area near the Black Sea Coast up to the 20
m isobaths is also forbidden for fishing vessels using towed gears. There are different types of
fishing gears for the active and passive fisheries in Danube Delta. Fixed fishing gears include
equipment in particular for catching fish that migrates for spawning and feeding in shallow
waters (long lines, bottom lines, gill nets). The only gears allowed in the Danube Delta are: rods,
gillnets and vintire (a kind of pot). Fixed or towed gears are allowed using small wooden boats.
No mechanized fishing is used in inland waters.
4.2 Fish stock status
In the Danube Delta, ichthyofauna includes about 136 species, mostly freshwater and migratory
species. Of the total number of fish species inventoried in the Danube Delta, about 30 species
are subject to commercial fishing. The most valued fish species for their economic value are
mackerel, zander, catfish, carp, pike and gibel carp.
Figure 20 shows that in 2008, the freshwater species sustainably exploited 47 were: gibel carp,
catfish, zander, pike, asian cyprinides, tench, perch, silver bream, codling and asp. Fish species
such as barbel, merlan, anchovy, raja and horse mackerel were officially unexploited, without
records of catches been registered. These last fish species are mostly marine ones and do not
have a significant share in the total volume of catches in the Danube Delta. The most important
fish species that were overexploited in commercial fishing are: bream, roach, carp, roach as
freshwater species, grey mullet as marine species and mackerel as migratory species. The total
volume of catches for mackerel is 4 times higher than the MSY value.
46
Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Fishing Vessel Register, statistics as per 2008
47
Sustainable fish exploitation has been defined as catches not over passing the MSY established by the authorities,
namely the National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority.
38
48
Table 3: Stock status for fish species
MSY Stock status

accordin relative to Main management
FAO Management
Species g to MSY (above, regulations affecting Fish species
Area responsibility
DDBRA near, below, the stock
(tonnes) unknown)
Gibel carp
(Carassius Freshwater
gibelio) 37.4.2 DDBRA 2,155.00 Sustainable species
Bream
(Abramis Freshwater
brama) 37.4.2 DDBRA 481.30 Overexploited Time closures: Fishing species
Roach prohibition during 5th
(Rutilus April – 3rd June, 60 Freshwater
rutilus) 37.4.2 DDBRA 158.00 Overexploited days, Restriction for species
Catfish mesh size, Limited
(Silurus vessel licences Freshwater
glanis) 37.4.2 DDBRA 170.20 Sustainable species
Zander
(Stizostedio
n Freshwater
lucioperca) 37.4.2 DDBRA 101.20 Sustainable species
Pike
(Esox 37.4.2 DDBRA 97.30 Sustainable Time closures: Fishing Freshwater
lucius) prohibition during 5th species
April – 3rd June, 60
days, Restriction for
mesh size, Limited
vessel licences
Carp Time closures: Fishing

(Cyprinus prohibition during 5th Freshwater
carpio) 37.4.2 DDBRA 88.10 Overexploited April – 3rd June, 60 species
Asian days, Restriction for Freshwater
cyprinides 37.4.2 DDBRA 44.80 Sustainable mesh size, Limited species
Tench vessel licences Freshwater
(Tinca tinca) 37.4.2 DDBRA 23.40 Sustainable species
Perch
(Perca Freshwater
fluviatilis) 37.4.2 DDBRA 20.80 Sustainable species
Silver
Bream
(Abramis Freshwater
bjoerkna) 37.4.2 DDBRA 6.60 Sustainable species
48
Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, section “Structure of
fish species on categories”, page 167- 168, Tulcea, 2008
39
MSY Stock status
FAO Management
Area responsibility
(tonnes) unknown)
Codling
(Vimba Freshwater
vimba) 37.4.2 DDBRA 8.40 Sustainable species
Barbel
(Barbus Freshwater
barbus) 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.10 Unexploited species
Asp
(Aspius 37.4.2 DDBRA 4.80 Sustainable Time closures: Fishing Freshwater
aspius) prohibition during 5th species
April – 3rd June,
Restriction for mesh
size, Protected fish as
NATURA 2000
Rudd
(Scardinius 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.30 Overexploited Time closures: Fishing Freshwater
erythrophth prohibition during 5th species
almus) April – 3rd June, 60
days, Restriction for
mesh size, Limited
vessel licences
Sword lily
(Pelecus 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.40 Sustainable Time closures: Fishing Freshwater
cultratus) prohibition during 5th species
April – 3rd June,
Restriction for mesh
size, Protected fish as
NATURA 2000
In accordance wtih
Sturgeon 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.00 Prohibited Order No. 262 on the Freshwater
(Acipenser) species conservation of species
sturgeon populations in
natural waters and
development of
sturgeon aquaculture in
Romania, this species
has been forbidden for
fishing during 2006-
2016 49
Grey mullet Time closures: Fishing
(Liza 37.4.2 DDBRA 7.30 prohibition during 5th Marine
aurata) Overexploited April – 3rd June, 60 species
49
The Order No. 262/2006 was signed by the Ministry of Environment and Water and Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Rural Development
40
MSY Stock status
FAO Management
Area responsibility
(tonnes) unknown)
Turbot days), Restriction for
(Psetta mesh size, Limited Marine
maxima) 37.4.2 DDBRA 4.40 Sustainable vessel licences species
Shark 37.4.2 Time closures: Fishing Marine
(Squalus prohibition during 5th species
acanthias) DDBRA 0.10 Sustainable April – 3rd June and
special prohibition
during 15th March – 30th
April, Limited vessel
licences
Merlan
(Odontogad 37.4.2 DDBRA 1.80 Unexploited Marine
us species
merlangus)
Anchovy Time closures: Fishing
(Engraulis 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.70 Unexploited prohibition during 5th Marine
encrassichol April – 3rd June, 60 species
us) days, Restriction for
Raja mesh size, Limited
(Raja 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.10 Unexploited vessel licences Marine
clarata) species
Horse
mackerel 37.4.2 DDBRA 0.10 Unexploited
(Trachurus Marine
trachurus) species
Mackerel 37.4.2 DDBRA 143.80 Overexploited Migratory
Time closures: Fishing species
Shad prohibition during 5th
(Alosa 37.4.2 DDBRA Sustainable April – 3rd June), Migratory
caspia 0.40 Restriction for mesh species
nordmanni) size, Protected fish as
NATURA 2000
Commercial fishing is practiced in different areas of the Danube Delta, using specific methods
and installations for each area. The fishing activity is restricted only under the prohibition period,
60 days per year.
Exploitation of fishery resources is based on an annual evaluation study on fishery resources,

elaborated by Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority and endorsed by the Romanian
Academy, the Natural Monuments Commission respectively. This study determines the total
allowable catch for each fish species. However, six species of Acipenseriformes order
(sturgeons) are strictly protected species under Governmental Order No. 330/262 published in
the Official Journal No. 385/2006. Other important regulations assumed by the local authorities
41
concerning a sustainable exploitation of fishery resource refer to: time closures, such as fishing
prohibition, restrictions for mesh size for each fish species and gear (minimum mesh size is 2,4
cm), limited volume of catches and boat licenses, temporary fishing permits.
4.3 Fisheries infrastructure
The landing facilities in the Danube Delta include 6 harbors located in Tulcea, Sulina, Chilia
Veche, Mahmudia, Sfântu Gheorghe and Caraorman, as well as landing facilities in almost all
villages.
Figure 19: Location of Danube Delta harbours
Harbors in the Danube Delta.
Tulcea Harbor is the main port of the Danube Delta, administrated by the Maritime Danube
Ports Administration, Galati branch. The company Delta NAV administrates the activities in
Tulcea industrial port, Tulcea commercial port and Mahmudia port. The infrastructure of these
ports is characterized by the following:
Tulcea industrial port Tulcea commercial port Mahmudia port
Number of pools: 1; Number of pools: 1; Number of pools: 1;

Water depth: 3,0 m river berth Water depth: 3,0 m river Water Depth: 3,5 m river
42
and 7,5 m maritime berth; berth; berth;
Number of quays: 2 maritime Number of quays: 3 river Number of quays: 9 berths
berth and 1 river berth; piers; river;
Operational shores area: 7150 Quay length: berth river - Quay length: berth river - 980
m2 on maritime area and 920 300 m m;
m2 on river area; Access by car and railway; Cranes quays: 3 1-12 tf / 32m
Quay length: 230 m for sea Cranes quays: 2-5 tf / 32m / / hook, 16 TF / 32 / scoops,
berth and 100 m for river berth scoops; 6.5 tf / 32 w / hook; 16 tf / 32 w / scoops, 20 TF /
Passenger terminal: 100 m Storage capacity: 15.000 32 / hook;
quay length; sqm 1 rotative machine;
Access by car; Pushers: 2;
Cranes quays: 3-20 tf / 32m / Storage capacity: 18.000 sqm
hook - 16 tf / 32 w / scoops;
Pushers: 2;
Storage capacity: 8600 sqm for
maritime berth and 3000 sqm
for river berth
The Danube Delta is defined as the area between the 3 channels (or branches) of Danube
River: Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe.
The Sulina Channel (length of 72 km and 18 m depth) accommodates only maritime navigation
and is the most circulated channel for merchandise, passengers and tourism. There are 5 jetties
located in Crişan, Mila 18, Gorgova, Maliuc, and Partizani, administrated by the Maritime
Danube Ports Administration. Boat-houses for passengers and merchandise are located in
other villages such as Mila 23, Ilganii de de Sus, Vulturu, Maliuc, Gorgova, Crişan, and Sulina
Town.
The only harbour on Sulina Channel is located at the Danube mouth into the Black Sea. Sulina
harbor is a port with a vertical quay of 3.340 m, 7 trestles and a pear quay of 2.600 m for bank
protection. These port structures, positioned along the cliffs, provide conditions for ships and
vessels berthing as well as for local traffic of goods and passengers. The infrastructure available
in the harbor is as follows: 5 moorings with hydrants for drinking water, illuminated at night,
facilities for power supply (250 kva), 3 cranes of 16 tonnes capacity, 2 cranes of 32 tonnes
capacity, 2 river pushes of 840 HP capacity, 1 maritime pusher of 630 HP capacity, 2 barges,
trucks, tractors and trailers.
60% of total catches is recorded in Sfântu Gheorghe Channel, exclusively used for fluvial
transport, (25 – 26 meters depth and 113 km length). Two main harbors are located on the
channel: (1) Mahmudia Harbor, located at 86-90 km on the right river side, with facilities for
passenger and cargo operations, and (2) Sfântu Gheorghe Harbor, positioned on the left side of
the channel, and operating various fishing facilities.
Chilia Channel accommodates marine navigation up to Izmail (Padina) and passenger ships up
to Periprava. The main villages with landing facilities on Chilia Channel are Chilia Veche,
43
Patlageanca, Ceatalchioi, Plaur, Pardina, Tatanir, Periprava, Salceni. There are 2 harbors,
Chilia Veche Harbor located at 43-46 km on the right side of the channel, and Caraorman
Harbor. These ports are also administrated by the Maritime Danube Ports Administration.
Caraorman Harbour includes an important fishing facility from which fish is transported to
Tulcea and Murighiol. Chilia Veche Harbor includes a passenger facility with 160 m landing jetty
and a commercial port with 110 m landing jetty and 1,004 m2 area for food warehouse.
Shipyards in the Danube Delta. Shipyards are located within all important harbors, and
provide the necessary services for workshops, machines, tools and devices for repairing and/or
building ships.
In Tulcea Town, 3 main companies offer shipyard services: STX Europe Tulcea, Aker Tulcea
and Practic Nav TC.
STX Europe Tulcea shipyard is located at 39.5 nautical miles on the right side of the Danube,
upstream from Tulcea, being the most recent shipyard in Romania and offering naval
construction services, conversions and repairs. Its facilities accommodate 4 ships under
construction simultaneously.
In 2000, Aker Tulcea S.A. modernized the old shipyard to offer various facilities such as:
syncrolift with 150 m length, 25,4 m width and 6.500 tonnes lifting capacity, with a speed of 22
cm/min, transfer platform on rail for vessels building, more than 1500 m quay for up to 6
simultaneous berthing of vessels, covered halls, mounting tabs, assembly hall, 2 blasting hall
painting, automatic welding equipment and modern semi-automatic, detailed design capacity
with specialized personnel and professional software design and 75 ha total area. The main
boats and ships that can be repaired/built are as follows: oil and chemical tankers up to 1,400
TEU container vessel, multipurpose vessels, supply vessels, and other types of vessels for the
offshore industry, freezer trawlers and coastal fishing vessels, medium ferries, and barges.
Practic Nav TC is a shipyard which the main facilities and services are as follows: building of
vessels, river boats, ship repair (up to 80 tonnes), metallic installations for ships, selling ships,
manufacture of ship furniture.
Other facilities in Tulcea harbor include: vessel maintenance facilities, warehouse cleaning and
storage space for ships, 41 operating berth, railway national connection, passengers’ terminal,
facilities for storage of goods (open platform), port equipment for the operation of ships, waste
reception facilities for ships, grain silo and customs services.
Sulina Shipyard is positioned on the left side of Sulina Channel, which has a release–lift hold of
2,000 tonnes, a quay for arming – disarming ships of up to 15,000 tdw and lift–launch ships hold
of 4,500 tdw for horizontal repairs. The shipyard does not have specific facilities for landing,
storage, selling the fishing products or repair/maintainance of ships and water, gas and ice
supply.
44
4.4 Details of the local catching sub-sector
The Danube Delta accounts for 80% of the total fish catches at national level. Out of the total
number of fish species identified in the Delta (136), 30 species of freshwater, marine and
migratory fish are subject to commercial fishing, as follows: perch, bream, roach, carp,
mackerel, pike and gibel carp. Fishing is carried out as a main, full-time occupation, often
developed by professional fishermen. In some cases, it is a subsistence activity for people who
have insufficient income from other sources.
Fish catches in the Danube Delta concern 3 types of fish species: freshwater, migratory and
marine species. In the past 5 years, the total volume of catches of freshwater species has
increased, thus in 2007 the total volume was equal to 3,485 tonnes of fish, while the volume of
catches of migratory species decreased by 5% every year over the last 3 years. The main
catches of freshwater species are gibel carp, pike and perch, while for migratory species the
mackerel is the most popular.
50
Figure 20: Volume of fish by group species
In 2008, the total volume of fish landings was 2,507 tonnes, 32% lower than in 2007, even
though in the last years an increasing trend has been recorded. Gibel carp dominates the
catches in terms of value (€3.304 million in 2008) and volume (826 tonnes in 2008). Although
bream catches are two times higher in volume (544 tonnes in 2008), the catches of mackerel
are three times more valuable (€3.864 million in 2008). The catches of bream and other
freshwater species are mostly registered in Razelm-Sinoe Complex 51, during May-July when the
bream migration is taking place.
In the last 10 years, the total landings by the local fleet have shown an increase of 26%, from
2,688 tonnes in 2003 to 3,639 tonnes in 2007. In 2008, the total volume of landings recorded a
decreasing trend (2,507 tonnes in 2008), due to the economic crisis and the changes in the
50
Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, page 167-168, 2008
51
In the proximity of Danube Delta
45
administration of fishery resources 52. The strongest reductions are related to bream, mackerel
and carp, while the other species have had a constant dynamic over the time. In the last 10
years the gibel carp catches increased with more than 15% every year, while the others species
like bream, mackerel and carp have diminished with 10,5-12% every year.
Taking as baseline the year 1970, the total volume of roach and rudd dropped in 2005 from
4,000 tonnes to less than 200, while the pike catches decreased from 2,200 tonnes to less than
100. Similar trends are recorded also for other groups of fish species such as carp, perch,
mackerel and tench. Over time, the allowable catch for commercial fishing has dropped and
many sturgeon species were endangered. Thus, in 2006 the Ministry for Agriculture and Ministry
for Environment and Water issued a joint order prohibiting commercial fishing of sturgeon
species until 2016, as well as selling the products obtained from sturgeons caught in Romania.
Also, the order concerns the use of fishing gears or any equipment for sturgeon’s catches in
Romanian fisheries.
53
Figure 21: Trends in volume landings (tonnes)
With regards to prices of fish at first sale, the production in value recorded an increasing trend
until 2005 – the peak moment, with a total value of €2.8 million and decreased after. Figure 25
shows that the largest fish species catches in recent years is gibel carp, with a total value of
€1.37 million.
52
In 2008 the fish resources management passed from DDBRA to NAFA. The records of fish catches have reduced
dramatically, leading to expansion of poaching. Due to unreported catches the statistics of fish catches are not
according to the reality.
53
Source: NAFA, statistics as per May 2010
46
54
Figure 22: Trends in value landings
In 2008, the first sale price of 1 kg of mackerel was of 1.88 €/kg (even lower during the
migration period May-July), the same price as for carp. The gibel carp is sold at 0.94 €/kg and
the perch at 2.35 €/kg. Thus, the species showing the highest value are perch, mackerel and
pike, with a total contribution of 47% in the total income of landings. Figure 26 indicates that the
prices increased over time, except for mackerel, which decreased due to the large volume of
fish stocks in the last 2 years. The environmental report on Danube Delta shows that mackerel
is the only fish species being overexploited: recorded catches are 4 times higher than the MSY
of 143,800 catches. The catches of others species such as gibel carp, zander, pike and turbot
are 2 times lower than the maximum allowable capacity and others such as barbell, raja or
anchovy are unexploited.
Regarding the prices, the main issues encountered by the local fisherman is the fact that the
price at second sale is three times higher than the one at first sale, thus contributing, overall, to
a decreasing trend in fish demand 55. The decrease in price and levels of landings in the last
year represent another important factor in the crisis for the local fishing sub-sector.
54
55
Source: NAFA, “Commercial fishing in inland waters”, 2008
47
56
Figure 23: Trends in price of species
Referring to the fishing gears used, the fishermen prefer fixed or mobile gears. The main gears
restricted in the Danube Delta are cast net and multiple fishing-net 57. The only gears allowed
are: rods, gillnets and winds, with a productivity of 0.1-0.5 tonnes/gear per year.
58
Table 4: Main gears used for commercial fishing
Fish species Used gear / Locations Comments

Star sturgeon Sturgeon nets and long lines. Reduced fish stock. It is the species
Nowadays there is a prohibition for that has the largest share in sturgeon
Acipenser sturgeons commercial fishing, being on second
stellatus place after beluga. Currently its fishing
is prohibited.
Russian Gillnets are the gears most used. This The total volume of catches decreased
sturgeon species is accidentally caught due to irrational fishing, until stocks
were exhausted.
Acipenser
guldenstaedti
Beluga Sturgeon nets and long lines. Fishing Most catches are recorded in the
with long lines is today prohibited in Danube mouth coastal area, close to Sf.
Huso huso the Danube Delta Gheorghe. Currently its fishing is
prohibited.
Mackerel It is caught in the Black Sea, in smaller Fishing takes place throughout the
quantities, near the seines installed for migration period.
Alosa pontica anchovy and sprat. The largest share
is caught in the Danube, during the
breeding migration period, using nets
Shad Same gear as for mackerel It is caught together with mackerel, thus
56
57
According to Governmental Order no. 226/07.04.2008
58
Source: Petre Gâştescu, “Fish Atlas in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published by Tulcea Technological
Information Center, 2007
48
its volume of catches is not highlighted.
Alosa caspia
nordmanni
Black sea It has the largest share in marine In the last years, fishing is based on
Sprat fisheries. It can be caught in seines, vessels equipped with sonar in order to
near the shore. It is recorded at the detect cards and trawls in remote areas
Sprattus collection point as breeze sea fish. and deeper offshore (up to 20 m). The
sprattus catches are much larger than those
obtained with fishing net.
Anchovy The second most important species for Because of pollution / eutrophication,
commercial fishing in the Black Sea, the intensity of migration toward shores
Engraulis after the Black Sea sprat. was significantly reduced, thus the
encrassicholus catches decreased.
Pike Species of economic interest; it is Due to eutrophication and
fished in lakes and channels in autumn overexploitation, the quantities caught
Esox lucius period, using winds, seines, gillnets reduced significantly.
and trawls as gear.
Bream It can be caught in freshwaters in There are annual fluctuations of the
autumn, using wind, gillnets, seines total volume of landings. It is confused
Abramis and trawls. with silver bream.
brama
Asp It can be caught during spring, along There are large quantities in the delta.
with mackerel, using gillnets, and in Unexploited species.
Aspius aspius swamps using gillnets, seines, trawls
and wind.
Carp It can be caught using winds, seines, Reduced quantities.
trawls and gillnets.
Cyprinus
carpio
Roach It can be caught in ponds and Medium-sized species with significant
channels, using wind, gillnets and weight in commercial fishing.
Rutilus rutilus seines.
Tench It can be caught using wind, seines Declining fish stock
and gillnets. Trawl it is not used.
Tinca tinca
Sheat fish It can be caught in lakes and channels, -
using winds, seines and gillnets.
Silurus glanis
Merlan Marine fishing nets are used, Low quality of meat
especially in spring and summer.
Odontogadus
merlangus
Perch Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are Due to eutrophication and
used. overexploitation, the catches reduced
Perca perca significantly.
Pike perch Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are -
used.
Perca
fluviatilis
Crucian carp Winds, trawls, seines, and gillnets are Even though in the past gibel carp was
49
used. The largest amounts are caught not subject of commercial fishing,
Carassius in Delta’s lakes. currently this fish species has one of the
gibelio largest shares in the total volume of
catches in Danube Delta.
The Danube Delta fleet is characterized by small boats made of wood, served by 1-2
professional fishermen. The total number of registered fishermen is 1,500, showing an
increasing trend. The new rules of issuing fishing permits, which does not restrict upon used
gears, have generated an increasing fishing capacity. The adult persons represent 43% from
the total labour force. In addition, 4,500 family fishermen have the right to fish 3 kg/per capita
(family member) daily. Annually, the licensed fishermen catch 3,000 tonnes and family
fishermen 3,400 tonnes.
Figure 24: Employment dynamics in commercial fishing sub-sector (structure by age group of
59
labour force)
Furthermore, the fishing activity allows for two types of fishing in the delta: (1) active fishing with
trawls and assets, during 15th September – 1st April on large water surfaces in the extended
area of DD; (2) passive fishing with vintire (pots), seines or gillnets during 15th June – 31st
March. In addition, fishing with seines is practiced especially in July-September, in large areas.
Overall, the fishing activity takes place all year round, except the prohibited period of 60 days
per year, and is generally greatest in autumn.
In conclusion, the overall analysis of current situation of catching sub-sector identifies a non-
balanced picture: commercial catches are in decline, the fishing activity has slowed down its
growing trend due to authorities applying procedures limiting the accessibility to fisheries
(number of licenses and gears), and poaching on the black market is growing.
59
Source: National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture, statistics as per May 2010
50
4.5 Details of the local processing and marketing sub-sector
Marketing
Referring to the local fish market, the specific of fishing activity in the Danube Delta is that there
are only individual fishermen (over 1,500) fishing and selling the fish to collecting organizations
and/or processing & trading companies. Fishermen are organized into 28 organizations of
fishermen that are grouped into 5 federations and associations. Three of these federations
represent the fishermen fishing in the Delta, while 2 represent fishermen fishing in the Black
Sea. The fishermen are authorized both by Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority and
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture, while in areas considered of cross—border
impact, they also have to hold a permit issued by the Cross-Border Police.
The state contribution to the fish collecting centres is insignificant, unlike public centres in other
European countries ensuring fair competitive measures. Fish collecting centers are traditionally
built of indigenous materials; the thatched roof provides good thermal isolation, especially
during summer when the high temperature may cause fish spoilage. The chillers the fish are
stored in function with ice transported from Tulcea.
The most important fish collecting point is located in Caraorman – Crişan area, the place where
the fish caught from many lakes is collected. Other main fish collecting centers are located in
Tulcea, Sfântu Gheorghe and Murighiol.
There are no fish auctions in Romania.
The distribution of fish is carried out through a variety of channels. Most of the fish goes through
at least two successive economic operators before being sold to the consumer 60. This system
usually involves the producer selling directly to an independent retailer or through an
intermediary. The fish wholesale market is very limited in Danube Delta, resulting in many short-
link marketing chains and high costs for transport and distribution. Domestic supply of fish is
covered by inland and marine capture, as well as by freshwater aquaculture, being constrained
by the climate conditions and also by fishing restrictions during the spawning period.
Processing
Since 1990, fish canneries in the DD have gradually reduced their production, until most of them
have ceased their activity entirely. Since 2000, some new processing units have been created
and there is important company renewal rates recorded in the last 10 years, as well as short
company lifespan. Currently, the processing sub-sector in Danube Delta is generally managed
by entrepreneurs involved in the catching sub-sector and as ships owners.
60
Source: Petre Gastescu, “Fish Atlas in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, published by Tulcea Technological
Information Center, 2007
51
As regards the processing industry at national level, over 2,180 processing units are organized
under 44 processors’ organizations and one Federation of Fish Producers. Only six major units
of fish processing are located in Tulcea County, concentrated in Tulcea, Murighiol, and
Jurilovca. Other companies registered with the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture
as processing units or producers are involved in fish packaging and/or freezing for retail
purposes. The low demand for certain fish species such as turbot and silver bream, during their
fishing season, requires actions for their preserving.
In 2009, the total volume of fish and fish products processed and preserved at national level
was of 31,996 tonnes, of which 4,324 tonnes was produced in rural areas (13.5% of total). The
current decreasing trend in processed fish production in the Danube Delta opposes the national
records. There are no data available on the total volume and value of processed fish in DD, but
the qualitative impression from interviews with local companies in the processing industry
indicates a decrease.
The processing industry uses frozen or fresh fish, preserved in ice or salted, as raw material.
The main species processed in the Danube Delta are carp (90% of the locally processed fish),
gibel carp and mackerel.
Generally, processing companies have their own supply channels, as they collect the fish
through their own collecting points from the fishing organizations or licensed individuals,
process it and sell it through their distribution network or other retailers. The total quantity of
processed fish fluctuates based on prohibited periods, fishing areas and also by the season: in
summer, when the air temperature is high the total volume of catches decreases and the fish
cannot be preserved in secure conditions, while in winter, fishing is practiced only through holes
in the ice that has been formed above rivers or ponds.
61
Table 5: Fish processing units
Company Main Total annual Type Main Number of Location

name species processing products employees
capacity / Turnover
Wela LTD Total, 600 tonnes, They collect fresh fish Employees: Tulcea
from from which: the fish 20-30 full-
which: 16,8 tonnes directly from time
Crucian 2,4 tonnes the fishing
Carp 3,6 tonnes organizations Turnover:
Pike 4,8 tonnes and then 33.000 €
Mackerel 4,8 tonnes trade it
Roach 4,8 tonnes through own
Catfish commercial
store
Fisheries Sturgeon prohibited fish processing fresh fish Employees: Tulcea
Romdelta s species until unit 15 full-time
LTD 2016
Turnover: -
61
Source: Internal registrations of interviewed processing companies
52
Company Main Total annual Type Main Number of Location
name species processing products employees
capacity / Turnover
Ecofish Total, 1.760 tonnes processing shellfish, Employees: Jurilovca
LTD from unit seafood, 115 full-time
which: marinated
Bream fish, fresh Turnover:
Crucian fish, frozen 1.518.895€
Sprat fish, frog,
Mackerel fish salad,
egg salad
Black Sea Total, They’ve processing Employees: Sf.
Sturgeron from stopped their unit 12 full-time Gheorgh
LTD which: activity e
Carp Turnover:
Gibel 301.479 €
carp
Mullet
Perch
Codling
Danubiu Total, 2.200 tonnes processing canned Employees: Sulina
RO from unit fish, both 51 full-time
which: freshwater
Bream and Turnover:
Crucian saltwater, 267 265 €
Sprat in olive oil,
Mackerel tomato
sauce,
mustard
sauce
San Stel Gibel 108 tonnes They collect fresh fish Employees: Sulina
Mar LTD carp 12 tonnes the fish 5 full-time
Catfish 6 tonnes directly from only turbot 2 during
Bream the fishing is frozen, seasonal
Phytoph organizations because fishing
agous and then there are
trade it not so Turnover:
through own many 20.000 €
commercial orders
store
The main problems as perceived by the processing industry relate to the fish sale price and the
fish demand at national level. Thus, the total demand for fish at national level is only 3.9 kg/per
capita, 62 unlike other European countries where the quantity consumed can reach 24-25 kg/per
capita.
Most of the products of the processing units located in the Danube Delta or in its proximity are
canned fish, caviar, fillets or fish meat.
62
Source: European Comission, DG MARE, “Facts and figures on the CFP”, 2008, page 22
53
The selling price of fish and fish products is influenced by the specific conditions of the Danube
Delta. Thus, in 2002, the fishery resources were allocated only to authorized fisheries,
processing factories and a network of shops, and in practical terms the distribution channel is
was owned entirely by a few companies. Thus, fishermen are forced to sell the fish at very low
prices, and currently, the price at first sale is three times lower than the retail price. The storing
and transport activities of fresh fish from the Delta contribute directly to differentials between
landed and retail prices. This is why the prices are not competitive on the free market, where a
fish product cost around 3 euro 63. Similar, the price for Romanian canned fish is double
compared to similar products from import.
Referring to employment in fishing processing units, most of the firms hire temporary workers
during the fishing season, namely April-October. In 2008, the ratio of processing employees to
the overall number of fishery employees was 6% (people).
As a conclusion, the overall analysis indicates that the main weakness of the processing
industry in the delta are related to a low demand for fish and fish processed products (3.9 kg/per
capita), difficult access to bank credit, first sale centers insufficiently equipped, poor
organization of producers, high production costs, lack of bulk market for fish, low diversity of
fishery products and reduced competitiveness on the EU market with specific products 64.
Thus, the main trends that shape the processing industry in the Delta refer to:
 There are extremely few fish processing companies in the Delta because most of the
Danube Delta’s localities are isolated areas, thus the storage and transport costs are
very high. Also, the lack of educated people in Danube Delta is a constraint given legal
requirements impose for specialized/qualified personnel in the food industry;
 Small producers stopped their activity; large producers are better equipped to deal with
sanitary and quality requirements;
 Hypermarkets offer a very wide range of products including: carp, gibel carp, trout, pike,
perch, as local fishes and salmon, mackerel, sea bream, sea wolf, live crab, lobster,
snails or mussels, calamari, as well as bulk frozen fish, salted and smoked fish, caviar,
marinated fish, salads, fish and eggs;
 The biggest quantities of processed fish consumed are imported.
4.6 Details of the local aquaculture sector
Over 60 ha of aquaculture sites are currently under operation in Romania, a decrease of 40%
compared to 1990. Thirty (30) aquaculture sites, with a total area of 45.492 ha, operate in the
Danube Delta, thus accounting for 75.82% of the total national capacity. Many of the
aquaculture sites operate extensive systems, with a production up to 500 kg per hectare. Carp
is the main fish species with the largest volume of production in aquaculture activity, while a
aquaculture site can produce at least 2,000-3,000 kg per hectare. In 2009 the total production
63
Source: National Institute for Research and Development in Danube Delta
64
Source: National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture
54
was 1,082 tonnes with a total value of €1.493 million. In 2006-2009, the available data show a
decrease of 0.05% in the total volume of aquaculture production and an increase of 24% in the
total value for aquaculture sub-sector, due to rising prices/kg for products. The main fish
species for fish farming are: carp, silver carp and bighead carp, representing 80% of the total
volume of aquaculture production.
Figure 25: Volumes and value from aquaculture
Several aspects explain to the decreasing trend in the total volume of aquaculture production
recorded in recent years.
1. The privatization process of the fishery fund influenced the total costs of aquaculture
sites and the volumes reached so far. Although the production decreased, the total value
of production increased, due to high selling prices. The producers practice a high selling
price due to the higher costs in aquaculture that include an annual amount rate paid to
Tulcea County for the land leased and high electricity costs, water supply and transport.
Also, the financial capacity of small producers in aquaculture is small because this
activity needs a large capital investment and the amount is recovered within 5-10 years
thereafter.
2. The extensive system is also a major constraint in the aquaculture sub-sector. At
national level, only 15% of the total production is represented by local fish species.
3. The aquaculture activity decreased in the last 20 years due to inefficient and poor
economic results: many of the aquaculture sites designed to produce fish for
consumption reduced or stopped their activity (aquaculture sites in Rusca, Litcov,
Popina). The aquaculture activities are mostly based on extensive fish growth
technology, with smaller productions and a mixture of fish species, based on a bigger
contribution of the natural environment. Many of the existing aquaculture facilities
became agricultural lands, which led to the reduction of water surface features such as
amenities. However, the positive trend registered in the recent years shows that fishing
55
activity has developed not by increasing the allowable catch, but by increasing the
pressure on the natural resources 65.
4. Labor force constraints. Compared to the commercial fishing sector, both permanent and
seasonal labor is used in aquaculture. The permanent employees increased by more
than 26% in the last 4 years, while the seasonal labor force decreased by 16%, thus
resulting an increased trend in employment in aquaculture sub-sector. Only 10 women
are employed in aquaculture sub-sector. Most of the employed people are men, with an
age over 30, thus resulting an ageing labor force. 33% have completed secondary
education and only 12% have higher education.
Figure 26: Employment dynamics in aquaculture sub-sector and structure by age group of the
66
employees in aquaculture sub-sector
Also of note is that a wild caught sturgeon has been regulated by a ten year prohibition period in
the Danube Delta, until 2016. Aquaculture of sturgeon has developed as a stock protection
measure and provides the market with the necessary volume of fish and caviar. Currently, there
are no specialized sturgeon farms, at commercial level, with one exception: Isaccea fish farm,
Tulcea County, where sturgeons are raised in floating cages in lakes.
Another noticeable trend is the interest for an integrated approach, major fish producers having
their own fish farms of sturgeons, gibel carp or carp.
Furthermore, referring to the aquaculture sub-sector, currently 26 aquaculture sites, of which

10 operating with the extensive system and 16 using intensive systems are located in different
areas of the Danube Delta, but more than 12,500 ha of aquaculture are abandoned territories.
The aquaculture companies are registered with the Fish Farms Register, within the National
Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture. The Register issues an aquaculture license. In Danube
Delta there are 5 licensed aquaculture companies, of which 2 companies include hatcheries.
65
Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation”, page 162 – 164,
Tulcea, 2008
66
56
Aquaculture sites are currently grouped into 3 distinct categories, based on their technical
characteristics, as well as economic activity.
67
Table 6: Current status of aquaculture sites
Sites with deficiencies Non-functional sites

Functional sites (proposed for infrastructure (proposed for environmental
rehabilitation) reconstruction )
Sarinasuf, Iazurile, 6 Litcov, Obretin I, Ceamurlia II Maliuc, Rusca, Chilia I, Chilia II
Martie, Lunca, Babadag, (Sarica), Caraorman, Topraichioi (Hreblea), Popina, Stipoc,
Tauc, Dranov- Ghiol Ceamurlia I, Obretin II, Enisala
(ECo+1, ECo+2, ECo+3),
Carasuhat II, Grădina
Olandezului, Dunavăţ I, Dunavăţ
II, Holbina I, Holbina II, Perişor,
Periteşca
4.7 Details of the local ancillary sub-sector
The ancillary sub-sector includes 2 companies involved in the repair and maintenance of ships
and boats located in the Danube Delta. The total value of sales in ancillary sub-sector is thought
to have remained stable. Similar to the fishing and fish processing sub-sectors, difficulties are
encountered in recruiting reliable staff, with expertise. The ancillary sector is related to the
information provided in section “4.3. Fisheries infrastructure”, but there are no data available on
turnover or employment. Moreover, as mentioned in the section “3.4. Local development plans”,
the local authorities will develop projects for fishing harbours in DD, especially in Murighiol and
Sulina, thus providing a further development of fisheries infrastructure. With the modernization
of fishing boats, new units will open for maintenance and repair of ships, which will specialize
and contribute to the development of this sector, compared with the present situation where the
catching fleet is limited to wooden boats maintained mainly by their owners. Thus, the trend that
will shape the development of this sector is related to the fisheries infrastructure.
Traditional fishing is by far the most important economic activity, and traditions are maintained
through a mix of elements, such as legislation forbidding mechanised fishing, low income
leading to low modernisation of fishing facilities, poaching as an alternative income. Fishing
infrastructure and ancillary activities are outdated while investments rely on European funding
that are difficult to access as the Fishery Operational Programme has been lagging behind the
schedule with at least 2 years, and credits are very costly.
There are no other available data concerning the main trends of this sub-sector.
67
Source: DDBRA, “Regional Master Plan of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve”, September 2005
57
5. Governance
5.1 Key local institutions
Fishing sector representatives
1. Licensed fishermen are represented at local and national level by the Federation of
Danube Delta Fishermen, founded in 2002. This structure represents the interests of 44
organizations of 1,500 professional fishermen working in the Danube Delta and selling fish
to 26 fish collection points. The following table presents the most important of these
fishermen organizations:
68
Table 7: Main fishermen organizations
Fish collection points Fishermen organization Member

fishermen
Sarichioi Producer Organization 29
Sabangia SAFISH fishermen association 21
Dunavăţ Fishermen Organization 30
Sfântu Gheorghe Danube-Black Sea Fish Producers 84
Organization
Mila 23 IOROM Fishermen Organization 11
Grindu Kaviar-Grindu Association 120
Mila 23 SOMOTELUL Producer Organization 18
Mila 23 MOST Fishermen Organization 16
Chilia Fish Producer Organization 6
Holbina HOLBINA-RAZIM Fishermen Organization 13
Crişan DELTA Fishermen Organization 205
Crişan NAVODUL Producer Organization 32
Sulina Fishermen Producer Organization 68
Popina-Holbina POPINA Producer’s Organization 12
Tulcea VULTURU PLESUV Producer’s Organization 12
Sulina Fishermen Organization 67
Jurilovca RAZIM Fish Producers 178
Iazurile MARIVAS Fishermen Organization 14
Murighiol Murighiol Fishermen Organization 56
Matita-Merhei Fishermen Producers Organization 53
Sulina CHEFALUL Fishermen Producers 15
Organization
Sf. Gheorghe BLACK SEA Producer’s Organization 28
Plopu Fishermen Organization 11
Mahmudia Mahmudia Producer’s Organization 8
68
Source: National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture, section “Commercial Fishing – List of fishermen
organizations, Tulcea”, 2009
58
Gorgova PESCAR ACTIV Organization 62
Turtucoaia Fishermen association 82
Macin Fishermen organization 33
Tulcea ESSOX LUCIUS Producer’s Organization 4
Crişan RECHINUL Producer’s Organization 56
2. The interests of fish processors are defended by the Federation of Danube Delta Fish
Producers.
3. The interests of companies in fishing and aquaculture are represented by the Employers’
Association of Private Companies in Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Exploitation in
Danube Delta, Razelm-Sinoe and Black Sea.
4. National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) has responsibilities in

monitoring the fisheries sector at the national level in terms of fishing and aquaculture, and
the fish processing industry. NAFA is responsible for proposing and implementing strategies
and the legal framework for the fishing sector in Romania, for implementing the Common
Fisheries Policy in Romania. Also, the agency issues fishing licenses, permits for
commercial fishing and authorizations for ship boats.
5. Two main associations represent the interests of sport fishermen: Hunting and Sport
Fishing Association and the National Federation of Sport Fishing in Romania (NFSFR).
Hunting and Sport Fishing Association was founded in 1919 and its main role is to support
the biodiversity and protection of wildlife in relation to hunting and fishing interests, as well
as wildlife natural environment development. NFSFR regulate and organize sport fishing
competitions, inter alia.
Environmental sector
1. In accordance with Law No. 317/2009, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration
(DDBRA) is the resource manager of Danube Delta and also the body that regulates fishing
activities in the Delta area in order to promote sustainable economic activities in full
compliance with the environment. DDBRA is responsible for environmental, biodiversity, and
fish stock monitoring actions, for development and protection strategies, issuing the
environmental authorizations for all economic activities in the Reserve. DDBRA is also
responsible for monitoring non-commercial/commercial fishing activities and issuing sport
fishing permits.
2. “Save Danube and the Delta” Association is the most visible and active environmental
non-governmental organization dedicated to Danube Delta (and Danube River). Its main
source of funding is the private sector. The projects undertaken by the association aim at
the following objectives: to promote environmentally friendly actions, carrying out concrete
actions to protect the Delta, and promoting environmentally responsible attitudes.
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General development of fishing communities
In June 2010 the first official Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) was registered under the
name of LOCAL GROUP - Association for Sustainable Fishing in Danube Delta. FLAG’s
founding members are the following: RO-Pescador Association (association of marine fishing),
main founder, and Tulcea County Council, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration,
Black Sea-Sf. Gheorghe Association, Save Danube and the Delta Association, Association of
Fishermen “Rechinul” Crişan, Federation of Fishermen in the Danube Delta, Federation of Fish
Producers Organizations in Danube Delta and Sulina Local Council. The main criteria for
membership were their representativeness in terms of expertise in developing strategies,
analysis and community development projects, experience in development and implementation
of sustainable development actions, ecological restoration, construction and infrastructure
rehabilitation, experience in managing international, European and internal funds, and common
understanding in terms of problems the area is facing with. 60% of the shareholders are from
the private sector and 40% from the public sector.
The FLAG geographical coverage reaches beyond Danube Delta, namely the entire Danube
Delta Biosphere Reserve located in Tulcea County. The following communities are covered by
the FLAG: Sfântu Gheorghe, Maliuc, Crişan, Chilia Veche, CA Rosetti, Pardina, Ceatalchioi,
Sulina, and surrounding areas: Grindu, Vacareni, Luncavita, Isaccea town, Somova- village
Mineri, Parches, Nufăru - villages Victoria, Ilganii de Jos, Beştepe, Mahmudia, Murighiol –
village Uzlina, Dunavăţu de Jos, Dunavăţu de Sus, Plopu village, Sarnasuf village, Nucarilor
Valley, Sarichioi – village Enisala, Jurilovca – village Salcioara, Ceamurlia de de Jos, up to the
20 isobath in the Black Sea, as well as Tudor Vladimirescu and Zagan villages belonging to
Tulcea Town, yet their residents practice fishing as the main economic activity.
The association aims to develop and implement a local strategy in order to promote a
competitive, modern and dynamic fishery sector, based on sustainable fishing and aquaculture
activities, taking in account all aspects of environmental, social and economic welfare. Its main
objectives refer to:
• Developing competitiveness and sustainability of the fisheries sector;
• Sustainable exploitation of local resources;
• Promotion of environmental quality in the area;
• Product-market development of the fisheries sector;
• Creating new jobs in accordance with the principle of equal opportunities;
• Support sustainable development of fisheries areas and improve quality of life in these
areas, by raising living standards and keeping young people in the area;
• Promotion of national and transnational cooperation in the Danube Delta region;
• Research studies and promoting new technologies.
The main expected results of the FLAG’s activities, in the long term, are: (1) to support the
development of eco-tourism based on sport and catch and release fishing and cultural tourism
in order to value the historical monuments in the area, (2) to support the development of tourism
infrastructure in order to ensure quality services for the population such as medical assistance,
barbering, cosmetics, sewing and shoemaker; (3) to support the development of new touristic
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units in accordance with the specific of the Delta and to realize panels and indicators for main
touristic attractions; (4) to create new jobs by acquiring new occupational skills,
entrepreneurship development, small business support (family associations), promote the
recruitment of workers in the fisheries sector; (5) to rehabilitate the infrastructure in terms of
extension of water supply and sewerage, wastewater treatment design and completion of
sewage, implementing the integrated waste management strategy, modernizing the port
capacity for Sfântu Gheorghe, Murighiol, Sarichioi and Tulcea, arrangement of berthing points
for small capacity vessels or tourism boats; (6) ecosystems conservation and balanced use of
renewable natural resources through diversifying the economic activities.
In conclusion, the low involvement of public participation and partnership between stakeholders
is a major problem that the area is facing. Thus, there are a small number of non-governmental
partners in the area with low involvement in the local community, as well as a lack of national
and local public funding for development.
5.2 Public intervention
From 2000 until now, authorities and also the private sector have made investments in order to
boost the Danube Delta economy. Most of the objectives of the projects concern the inhabitants’
standard of life by creating a general infrastructure, public and private services and, in the same
time, protecting the natural environment. Their efforts can be measured by the impact of the
implemented projects.
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Table 8: Public intervention assessment
Public Source of funding Investment cost What was the investment What were the outcomes (or expected
investment intended to achieve? outcomes)
1.Rural World Bank €8,960,000 In this project, 20 selected Improving rural infrastructure and living
Development municipalities will develop and conditions
Project in Tulcea Co-financing: local funds of implement 1-2 local infrastructure
County 20 local councils projects, based on the priorities set 20 new water supply systems
in their development strategies.
The project aims rural development 18 rehabilitated roads
of Tulcea County, through:
20 investment projects in water
supply systems
18 investments projects in rural
roads rehabilitation
End-date: 2007
2. Project for General Secretary of N/A The purpose of the project is to The works mentioned refer only to Danube
infrastructure Government increase the living standards of Delta areas.
development and Tulcea inhabitants by improving
sports utilities in State budget the water supply and sewerage Water and sewerage infrastructure:
rural areas infrastructure as well as sport Construction of the sewerage system and
Under the program utilities. central wastewater treatment station in
“Infrastructure development Integrated project, with a direct Crişan, Murighiol and Mahmudia;
and sports utilities in rural impact on 15 localities of Tulcea
areas” by GO no. 7/2006 county. Sports utilities:
Construction of a sports field in Chilia Veche
3. Water supply Ministry of Regional N/A The project purpose is to increase The works mentioned refer only to Danube
management in Development and Tourism the economic and social Delta areas.
Tulcea villages development, by improving rural
State budget access roads, with the final result Water supply for Baltenii de Sus village,
improve the quality of life in Beştepe locality
Under the program “Water villages
supply for villages” Water supply for Ilganii de Sus, Maliuc
approved by GD no. locality
577/1997
4. Power supply Ministry of Economic, N/A The purpose of the project is to The works mentioned refer only to Danube
for Tulcea Trade and Business improve utilities and general
62
villages infrastructure by expanding low Delta areas.
State budget voltage overhead line electrification
in 9 villages and power supply Extension of low voltage overhead line in
Electrification Program works in 4 villages. Baltenii de Sus village, Beştepe locality
2007-2009 approved by GD
no. 328/2007 Extension of low voltage overhead line in
Beştepe village, Beştepe locality
5. Modernized European Union, Tulcea €20,000,000 Impact road improvements for the Access road to Murighol, Tulcea
road network in County Council. local community and tourism.
Murighiol, Tulcea
End-date: August 2010
6. „Danube Delta PHARE CBC 2004 €1,240,325 The project aims to create The biggest Aquarium in Romania and one
Eco-tourist Romania – Ukraine sustainable facilities across of the biggest centers in South-Eastern
Center” Poject Program borders Romania-Ukarine for Europe
tourism development in order to
Applicant: Tulcea Local promote natural, cultural and social Visitors number increased with 40%
County heritage of Danube Delta
Partners: DDBRA, Eco- Social and cultural coherence strengthened
Museum Research Institute Modernizing and equipping the by cooperative actions between people and
Tulcea, Ukrainian Danube Eco-tourist Danube Delta Museum communities
Reserve Administration and Center
Tourism Information Center Promotional materials of Danube Delta
in the Lower Danube Promote ecotourism development
Vilkovo/ Odessa. in the Danube Delta, both in Conferences and seminars organized on
Romania and Ukraine tourism development
The center is fully-equipped with: aquarium

End-date: November 2008 instruments, proper furniture, maps, audio-
video equipment, Delta fair dioramas,
interactive software programs with LCDs, a
conference room fully-equipped, as well as
administrative area and confectionary. The
center has an aquarium, an exhibition space
and a leisure area
7. “Integrated PHARE CBC 2005 €734,159 The purpose of the project was to Joint Monitoring Program of Danube Delta
system for Romania-Ukraine improve border management and implemented and operational
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monitoring environmental protection by
environmental Applicant: Danube Delta developing an integrated system Trained staff in both protected areas of
factors, Biosphere Reserve for monitoring the natural Danube Delta
biodiversity and Administration Romania resources of Danube Delta.
natural resources (DDBRA Romania) A joint working group responsible for
in Danube Delta” Partners: DDBRA Ukraine, implementing the Joint Monitoring Program
project Dobrogea-Litoral Water
Directorate, Water Facilities for carrying out data collection
Management Department activities, supervision and monitoring in both
Odessa, Tulcea County parts of the reservation (a mobile laboratory
Council fully-equipped)
A joint website and information materials

related to DDBRA Romania/Ukraine
addressed to the target group
8. „Common PHARE CBC 2005 €295,705 The purpose of the project was to The online database: http://www.e-
central office of Romania – Ukraine create an online database of all danubedelta.com
reservation for Program tourism units in Danube Delta and
Danube Delta neighboring areas for booking and The website offers facilities such as: online
and neighboring Applicant: Association for tourism promotion. reservations, maps, gallery, guides of
areas ” project Promotion of Tourism in the Danube Delta.
Danube Delta - Delta Tour End-date: 2009
Prom Improved access to touristic information on
Danube Delta and its accommodation units
Partners: and attractions
Tulcea County Council,
DDBRA, CBC Agency of
“Lower Danube Euro
region” in Reni, Ukraine.
9. “Biodiversity World Bank €6,000,000 Biodiversity and cultural heritage Measures to improve the Danube Delta
conservation in Global Environment Funds conservation in the Danube Delta ecosystem conservation and cultural
the Danube of local communities. heritage of local communities.
Delta”
10. PHARE 2003 Economic €525,000 The purpose of the project is to 5 schools rehabilitated: Daeni, Ostrov,
“Rehabilitation of and Social Cohesion, rehabilitate and modernize 5 Niculitel, Sulina and Crişan
five (5) schools in Regional and Local schools from Tulcea County
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Tulcea County, in Infrastructure
localities affected End-date: 2008
by floods from Applicant: Tulcea County
2005” Council
Partners: Local Councils

from: Daeni, Ostrov,
Niculitel, Sulina and Crişan
11. Investment SAPARD Funds and €159,605 The purpose of the projects was to Accommodation units modernized or
projects initiated private investors: increase competitiveness of rehabilitated;
by private Ecosigma LTD, Stil Tours Danube Delta tourism sector by
investors: LTD, and other companies modernizing accommodation units Improved quality standards for tourism
Modernization of located in the middle of Danube services in Danube Delta
cottages in Delta. These units will provide high
Uzlina, agro- quality tourism services, including
tourism units in renting and accommodation on
Danube Delta boats.
and Murighiol
12. Touristic European Union and €2,500,000 Creating the necessary Touristic Complex in Murighiol
Complex in private funds infrastructure in the area for
Murighiol tourism practice
13. “Integrated SOP Environment, Priority €5,736,640 The overall project objective is to Institutional capacity increased by 60% in
Information Axis 4: “Implementation of maintain biodiversity and order to initiate and implement DDBRA
System - DDBRA adequate management ecological balance of cultural measures for preserving the ecological
Management systems for nature heritage, and to implement balance by introducing simplified integration
Support to protection” measures to improve the / analysis/evaluation/reporting by
improve the conservation status of ecosystems streamlining administrative flows and
conservation Applicant: DDBRA in the Danube Delta Biosphere optimize internal collaboration with other
status of Reserve institutions
ecosystems”
Development of professional skills and
expertise capacity for 70 persons withing
DDBRA to maintain and apply conservation
measures
40% increased perception and awareness
from stakeholders and citizens on the
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importance of maintain an ecological
balance and ecosystem conservation need
through promotional campaigns and by
facilitating online access to relevant
information at national level
14. “Fish cannery SAPARD Measure 1.1. €2,000,000 Construction of a fish cannery in 41 new jobs created;
and collection „Improving processing and Sfântu Gheorghe
point in Tulcea marketing agricultural Fish cannery using local fish production and
County” project products and fisheries”, The production of the fishery resources
submeasure Fish and fish concern: cans of marine fish,
Danubiu RO products, private funds canned freshwater fish, saltwater Building a clamping, refrigeration and
2002 LTD fish preserved. processing circuit.
End-date: February 2004
15. Project “Fish SAPARD Measure 1.1. €2,000,000 The purpose of the project was to 54 new jobs created;
processing „Improving processing and build a modern factor for
factory equipped marketing agricultural processing and preserving fish with The company’s products include most of
with advanced products and fisheries”, proper equipment at Jurilovca fish species caught in the Danube Delta
technology in sub-measure “Fish and fish (carp, gibel carp, bream, catfish)
Jurilovca village, products”, private funds End-date: February 2004
Tulcea County”, Fish processing factory that meets all
hygiene requirements, EU law, under the
Ecofish LTD directive on hygiene fish food and
nationwide correspondence.
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6. Stakeholder Analysis
As mentioned in the assessment of development and diversification in the Danube Delta, the
main stakeholders, involved in fishery and non-fishery activities of the area, are as follows:
Table 9: Stakeholder analysis
Organisation Contact details (address, telephone and e-mail)

1. Fishery sector
1. Danube Delta Biosphere Grigore Baboianu, Governor
Reserve Administration Address: No. 34A Portului Street
Telephone: +40 240 51 89 45
E-mail: arbdd@ddbra.ro
2. National Agency of Fisheries Stere Popescu, Director of NAFA Tulcea branch
and Aquaculture Adress: No. 14 Portului Street, IBEROM building, Tulcea
Telephone: + 4 0240 535 029
E-mail: anpa@anpa.ro
3. National Institute for Research Eugenia MARIN, Researcher
and Development Danube Delta Address: No. 165, Babadag Street, 820112, Tulcea,
Romania
Telephone: +40 240 531 520
E-mail: jenica@indd.tim.ro
4. Federation of Danube Delta Lucian SANDA, President
Fishermen Address :Tulcea
Telephone: 0744 384 687
E-mail: sanda.lucian@yahoo.com
5. Federation of Fish Producers Dan VERBINA, President
Address: Tulcea county
Telephone: 0744 336 693
E-mail: foppdelta@gmail.com
6. Employers’ Association in Mircea PASCALI, President
Fisheries and Aquatic Telephone: 0744249358
Resources Exploitation from
Danube Delta, Razelm-Sinoe
and Black Sea
7. Association « Shark » Mihai CRACIUN, President
Address: Crişan locality
Telephone : 0745 872 603
E-mail : cristi_ignat71@yahoo.com
8. Association « Black Sea Sorin ZAHARIA, President
Sturgeon » Address: Sfântu Gheorghe locality
Telephone : 0240 533130
E-mail: blackseasturgeon2002@yahoo.com
9. Association « Save Danube Costel POPA, President
and the Delta » Address : No. 8, Alunisului Street, Z3, Ap. 10, Code 820
204, Tulcea, Tulcea County
Telephone: + 40 21 319 49 31
E-mail : costel.popa@salvatidelta.ro
10. Aquaculture company: MON- Corneliu IVANOV
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AL LTD Babadag Address: No. 24, Heracleea Street, Bl. J/A, Ap. 1, Tulcea
Telephone: 0722652403
E-mail: euro_fish@yahoo.com
11. Aquaculture company: Cornel GAINA
Complex CORMORAN Address: Cormoran locality
E-mail: cornel_gaina@yahoo.com
12. Processing company: Gabriel SIDORENCU
INTERFRIG LTD Address: Cataloi locality
E-mail: contact@interfrig.com
13. Processing company: Daniel BUHAI
MIADMAR FISHING LTD Address: No. 96, Pacii Street, Tulcea
Telephone : 0240517760
E-mail: miadmar@yahoo.com
14. Aquaserv Liliana URSE
Address: No 2, Tudor Vladimirescu Street, Tulcea
Telephone: +40 241 511 369
15. Tulcea County Council Boieru Ioan, Vice-president
Raluca Gaidanut, Consultant
Address: No. 20, Pacii Street, Tulcea
Telephone: +40 240 511 440
E-mail: gaidanut.raluca@cjtulcea.ro
16. Environmental Protection Elena Micu, Department Implementation of Environment
Agency in Tulcea Policies
Address: No. 5 November 14th Street, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 510 620
E-mail: monitorizare.planuri@apmtl.ro
2. Wider community
1. Tulcea County School Doru-Marian CAPRITA
Address: No. 3-4 Dobrogeanu Gherea Street, Tulcea
county
Telephone: +40 240 515 771
E-mail: isjtl@isjtl.edu.ro
2. County Tulcea Directorate for Loredana IONELE, Director
Statistics Address: 17A Pacii Street, Tulcea
Telephone:+ 40 240 517 510
E-mail: tele@tulcea.insse.ro
3. Danube Delta Museum Eco- Andreea SEBASTIAN, Director
touristic Center Address: No. 26 Garii Street
Telephone: + 40 240 519 130
E-mail: tourisminfo_tulcea@yahoo.com
4. National Trade Register Office Anicuta VOINEA, Director
Address: No. 14 Portului Street, Tulcea
Telephone: +40 240 519 966
E-mail: orctl@tl.onrc.ro
5. Tulcea Labor Inspectorate Lavinia DRAGAN, Legal consultant
Address: No. 118 Babadag Street, Tulcea
Telephone: +40 240 530 064
68
E-mail: itmtulcea@itmtulcea.ro
6. Tulcea Employment Labor Adrian COJOCARU, Consultant
Agency Address: No. 10 Grigore Antipa Street
Telephone: +40 240 516 858
E-mail: tl_mpm@ajofm.anofm.ro
7. Romanian National Institute of Roxana Mihaela SERBAN, Consultant
Statistics Address: No. 16 Liberty Boulevard, Sector 5, Bucharest
Telephone:+ 021 318 1871
E-mail: diseminare3@insse.ro
8. Chamber of Commerce, Address: No. 22 Victoriei Street, Tulcea county
Industry and Agriculture Tulcea Telephone: +40 240 519 038
E-mail: www.cciatl.ro
9. Tulcea County Council Victor TARHON, President
Address: No. 20 Pacii Street, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 511 960
E-mail: office@cjtulcea.ro
10. Tulcea Prefecture Anica MADAR
Address: No. 20, Pacii Street, Tulcea county
Telephone:+40 240 511 042
E-mail: anicamadar@prefecturatulcea.ro
11. Sulina City Hall Aurel DIMITRIU, Mayor
Address: No. 180 I Street, Sulina
Telephone: +40 240 543 001
E-mail: sulina_prim@yahoo.com
12. Crişan City Hall Văniuşa ARTIMOV, Mayor
Address: Crişan locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 547 057
E-mail: primariacrisan@gmail.com
13. Sfântu Gheorghe City Hall Valentin SIDORENCU, Mayor
Address: Sfântu Gheorghe locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 546 701
14. Beştepe City Hall Dumitru TIPIRIGAN, Mayor
Address: Beştepe Locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 545 334
E-mail: office@primariabestepe.ro
15. C.A. Rosetti City Hall Antonel POCORA, Mayor
Address: C.A. Rosetti locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 546 200
E-mail: primariarosetti@gmail.com
16. Ceatalchioi City Hall Simion DAMIANOV, Mayor
Address: Ceatalchioi locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 517 144
E-mail: primariaceatalchioi@gmail.com
17. Chilia Veche City Hall Georgeta CIUPITU, Mayor
Address: Chilia Veche locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 547 301
E-mail: primaria_chilia_veche@yahoo.com
18. Mahmudia City Hall Gheorghina VRAMULET, Mayor
Address: Mahmudia locality, Tulcea county
69
Telephone: +40 240 545 390
E-mail: primaria@mahmudia.ro
19. Murighiol City Hall Filip IVANOV, Mayor
Address: Murighiol locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 545 969
E-mail: primaria_murighiol@yahoo.com
20. Nufăru City Hall Tincu GAVRILĂ, Mayor
Address: Nufăru locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 240 549 062
E-mail: office@primarianufaru.ro
21. Pardina City Hall Iordan CHISLIłCHI, Mayor
Address: Pardina locality, Tulcea county
Telephone: +40 372 704 582
E-mail: prim_pardina@zappmobile.ro
22. Association to support and Ana-Maria CAZACU, President
promote rural initiatives Telephone: +40 240 517013
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7. Qualitative Interpretation and Analysis
In order to facilitate the qualitative interpretation and analysis one focus group on “Fishery and
aquaculture sector and local communities in Danube Delta” was organized on 3rd June 2010, in
Tulcea. All members of the registered FLAG “Sustainable Fishery on Danube Delta” attended
the focus-group, as well as other central and local authorities and fishing and aquaculture
companies. The agenda of the focus-group followed the methodology proposed by the
Consortium.
7.1 Key events and drivers of change
Economical, social, political and environmental events of the last ten years influenced the local
communities and the fisheries and aquaculture sector development, becoming drivers of
positive and negative changes. The most important events identified by the Focus Group are as
follows.
Demographical aspects
The young population has no real incentives to stay in the DD area and migrate towards the
nearby urban areas. Difficulties to find jobs, adverse living conditions and limited transportation
networks result in a steady decrease of the young people that are looking to adjacent urban
areas for employment opportunities. Thus fluctuating population levels and changes in some
villages are generally the result of opportunities elsewhere.
But the global decrease in the population is not just the result of migration, but also of birth rates
and the decreased number of marriages, a consequence of the decreased number of young
people, and infant mortality levels.
One cause is the poor quality of primary education, which represents a barrier for students
accessing secondary and higher education. In addition, the low family income (especially
families with many children) does not allow for young people to leave for high school and/or
universities.
Economic aspects
One main event related to economic development has been mentioned, and refers to the
difficulties in managing waste produced in the Danube Delta, its collection in isolated areas, and
water transportation to organized waste land. This perception has been changed in 2009, when
two campaigns were organized by environmental NGOs proving that waste can be managed
even in the Danube Delta, and thus paving the way for future projects and best practices
adapted to Delta’ specificity.
71
The main drivers of change in the DD economic activities refer to:
 Economic crisis that determined small producers, especially in the transport and fishing
sectors to stop their activity;
 The construction sector experienced a significant growth due to the need to build new
homes and tourist accommodation facilities.
 Tourism represents an emerging market that has developed in recent years and retains
a majority of local labour force in the Danube Delta. The developments of various
tourism forms such as eco-tourism and rural tourism that capitalize on the specific of this
traditional community’s fishery-dependant represent an alternative for decreasing the
pressure on fishery resources. This sector has increased though the large number of
new accommodation facilities (including floating facilities) and the modernization and
diversification of the vehicles that increased the quality of the services offered.
 In addition, transport activity has developed especially for small-capacity transportation
of passengers and goods, as a result of tourism development activities.
Fisheries and aquaculture aspects
Legislative and institutional changes are among the main events with an important impact on
the fishery and aquaculture sector in the Danube Delta.
Thus, bureaucracy events resulted in an increase in red tape barriers for fishing and fish-related
activities.
1. The well established reporting scheme on catches and other fishery-related activity
managed by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration has been taken over
by the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture that was extended in terms of tasks
and institutional capacity in 2007. Reporting became difficult, and reported volumes of
catches decreased sharply. Efforts are currently made to strengthen the reporting and
inspection activity of the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture.
2. New fishing registration rules with various authorities have been perceived as red tape
by fishermen who had to obtain fishing permits or to register from/with the Danube Delta
Administration, the National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Cross-Border Police,
etc. depending on the type of waters they are fishing in. Efforts are made to create one-
stop shops for fishing permits.
In 2009, due to tighter legislative requirements and strong decline of total incomes, the total
volume of catches decreased by more than 15%, thus influencing also the total value of catches
over the delta area. This is why although the fish prices increased, the total value of fish catches
decreased in the last 3 years.
Irrational sturgeon catching lead to the depletion of these economically valuable species, thus
the Government established a ten-year prohibition period accompanied by intense repopulation
measures, through the Ministry Order No.262/2006, signed by the Minister of Environment and
Water Ministry, between 2006 - 2016. On one hand, the measure determined the development
of aquaculture activity and restocking the Danube with sturgeon fingerlings. On the other, the
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communities depending more on sturgeon fishing, such as at the mouths of Sulina and Sf.
Gheorghe channels into the Black Sea, have been economically affected, as no financial
compensation has been settled for the fishermen or sturgeon-related companies. Moreover, the
measure is implemented in Romania only, while Ukraine has no sturgeon control policy, and
thus, the global impact is questionable, with local communities being frustrated that their efforts
in observing the prohibition rules are not going to meet the expected results.
Drivers of change in the local catching sub-sector
Poaching is another important aspect concerning the local catching sub-sector, which has
increased in the past years. Currently, the legislative requirements of commercial and sports
fishing are very permissive and contribute to poaching, e.g. fisherman may not be fined unless
proved that the poacher intends to sell the fish, local inhabitants cannot be accused of illegal
possession of fish in their boats because they are allowed to fish up to 3 kg per day per family
member (family fishing legislation). If the local fisherman also owns a sport fish permit, the
amount of legally caught fish increases with 5 kilograms daily/license. Experts estimate that
most of poached fish is sold in illegal shops in Tulcea, thus increasing the profits of traders and
processors, with direct impact on the actual volume of fish catches 69. The local market is
characterized by extensive poaching activity, for which authorities have proposed measures
such as: simplifying the registration procedures of fish catches, compulsory registration of fish
caught only in landing points and in the presence of representatives of fisheries resource
manager, free competition in the sales centers 70.
Drivers of change in fish stock
The main entropic actions, which still have or have had a negative impact on ichthyofauna in the
Danube Delta, are: dams (over 100 000 ha), draining water bodies used in intensive agriculture,
chemicals and irrational fertilizers used in agriculture, the pollution of Danube water with harmful
substances accumulated along its course, ballast water for ships, eutrophication phenomenon
recorded especially after 1980. Eutrophication appeared as a result of nutrient pollution caused
by the fundamental changes in biotope characteristics. The increased turbidity and reduced
water area with clear water habitats have resulted in a decline of the following fish species: pike,
tench and others, which represented a big share of commercial fishing, while cyprinids species
increased their share. Species such as bream-pike type have adapted to eutrophic conditions.
The current state of aquatic habitats favors cyprinids species with lower economic value such as
carp, bream and roach, and among predators zander have a big share in the total volume of
catches. The fish species such as pike, tench and carp could record a recovery by the end of
2011. Also, in recent years, an increased trend for carp population has been recorded after
years of floods.
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Tulcea County Commission for Fish Poaching Prevention and Control Direction, press releases on the inspections
carried out in 2009-2010, www.anpa.ro
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Source: DDBRA, “Report on Environmental status of Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation“, 2008
73
Drivers of change in aquaculture sub-sector
 The aquaculture sites in the Danube Delta are currently facing negative aspects
concerning the application of traditional technologies: lack of basic water supply from the
ponds, feed management and chemical fertilizers/organic. Also, they are not complying
with hydrological and hydro-biological criteria such as: water level in ponds, high degree
of invasion by aquatic macrophytes, failure of chemical tests on water that determined
environmental degradation. In the early 1970, in order to increase the total volume of fish
catches in the Danube Delta, large areas of almost 44,000 ha were dedicated to
aquaculture sites, with a production up to 1,000 -1,200 kg/ha, far exceeding the natural
production. The program was very extensive and did not consider the natural conditions,
thus resulted in environmental degradation. The unsatisfactory results were determined
by the inability to apply intensive aquaculture on such large areas, with inadequate water
supply systems, without granulated feed. Thus, the extensive system is also a major
constraint in the aquaculture sub-sector. At national level, only 15% of the total
production is represented by local fish species.
 Being located in the Danube Delta, important investment is also needed in the
rehabilitation of the sites that have a large role in preserving the ecological systems.
Thus, many aquaculture sites, although operated by private companies, are now
abandoned in terms of aquaculture and their main activities reduced to recreational
fishing or intensive agriculture.
 The production costs in aquaculture and fisheries sectors are much higher than EU
similar costs, due to local and state taxes, land, water leasing costs and electricity. All
these additional expenses increase production costs, thus the profitability rate is much
lower than in other EU countries. Moreover, the access of EU funds is difficult due to
limited financial resources of producers who are unable to apply for bank credit as co-
financing. Thus, there is an urgent need for fuel subsidies.
Drivers of change in processing sub-sector

 Small producers stopped their activity; large producers are better equipped to deal with
sanitary and quality requirements;
 The production costs in aquaculture and fisheries sectors are much higher than EU
similar costs, due to local and state taxes, land, water leasing costs and electricity. All
these additional expenses increase production costs, thus the profitability rate is much
lower than in other EU countries. Moreover, the access of EU funds is difficult due to
limited financial resources of producers who are unable to apply for bank credit as co-
financing. Thus, there is an urgent need for fuel subsidies
 There is an urgent need for an online fish auction, to ensure that sales prices are based
on demand-offer basis.
74
Governance aspects
As expected, recurring legislative and institutional changes affect the governance of the
researched area. The decreased and continuingly decreasing level of bottom-up methodologies
in the development of local/regional and national strategies is the main barrier for local
authorities in developing realistic and feasible plans.
Both local administration and private sector consider the important delays and changes with the
management of the Fishery Operational Programmes to be one of the events that hinder public
and public fishery- and aquaculture-related projects, including investments in aquaculture sites.
The fishery and aquaculture sector became better represented when fishermen had to organise
in professional associations in 2006, due to preparations Romania had to undergo for accessing
EU and with a view to accessing fishery funds.
7.2 Adaptation
Adaptation to changes and events occurring in the Danube Delta depends on socio-professional
categories and age groups, while a general inertia to change has been noticed in the last
decade as well as the preference for local, individual solutions, and less for a civic or officially-
driven approach. Local authorities consider that current strategies do not take into consideration
cultural specificity of Delta inhabitants and do not reconcile people’s interests with the
environmental management of the natural resource in the Biosphere Reserve.
Demographics aspects
Migration of population towards neighbouring towns has been the general response to harsh
and undiversified economic activities in the isolated Danube Delta localities. However, as
tourism activities increased in recent years, a mild inflow of people has been registered.
Unfortunately, as the inhabitants have no qualification as defined by the employment legislation
and tourism, restoration, or tourism-related activities, companies’ response has been to employ
non-Delta people and assign jobs requiring no qualification to Delta inhabitants. Even under the
described conditions, Delta inhabitants did not start to improve their qualification, while local
authorities could not find the appropriate solution for attracting and maintaining educated and
specialised teachers. Women remain at risk of the highest unemployment.
Regarding the population structure by gender and age, a mild predominance of male population
has been registered in the young adult group, in contrast to the elderly, where women represent
over 55%. Reconsideration and strengthening socio-economic role of women is required to
remove some aspects of discrimination between genders and marginalization of the female
population, including social involvement, labour and political involvement.
One adaptive response to out-migration has been to try stimulating a commuting labor force, but
it proved an inefficient measure, by wasting energy for transportation, energy that could be used
75
in social life, while the temporary separation of families creates serious problems, such as for
children education and intra-family relations.
Other barriers for adaptation are that:

• The main reasons inhabitants remain in the Danube Delta are that they cannot adapt in
other areas, being accustomed to live in Delta’s specific conditions (air, food, water, less
societal constraints), low education and weak opportunities;
• Low living standard, most of inhabitant relying on social welfare;
• Isolation of local communities, far from central authorities and cultural centres;
• There are vulnerable groups in the Danube Delta namely, (1) women having no labour
opportunities, most of them being unemployed, carrying on household activities, or
sometimes, if qualified, working in tourism, and (2) children, not having the same
development and educational opportunities like other children, limited access to
information, limited access to trained teachers, and poor life conditions (energy, water,
waste management).
• Employment aspects:
- local employees’ educational and professional level is low compared to legal
requirements for authorising economic activities;
- qualified persons are leaving for better job opportunities outside Danube Delta;
- income of skilled labour force from out Delta , working in such fields as tourism,
education, medicine;
- Limited range of job opportunities;
Economic aspects
The main non-fishery development resources that the Danube Delta population have at hand
are quarries, wind (energy developments using wind renewable resources) and a unique
cultural inheritance (tourism, reed-related craft activities). The poor basic infrastructure is the
main hindrance to benefitting from them and adapting to the declining fishery activity, attracting
investors and diversifying the local economy. Thus, isolation, difficult access, high cost for
transportation, poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, and environmental restrictive policy remain
the major barriers for local communities to adapt to the economic changes of the last decade.
Barriers for adaptation are:

 Investments: low credit access, inhabitants having fluctuant income over the year;
 Isolation of local communities, far from central authorities and cultural centres;
 Water transportation is the only available means to link with other local communities,
towns and specialising services. During winter, if frozen waters, there are no means of
communication excepting for air means. Local authorities subsides the public
transportation;
 Resources unexploited due to restrictions and overprotection of most part of the
territories.
 Over protection of fish resources affect the fish catching activity.
76
 Outdated and rack worn infrastructure in existence in all activities: fishing, commerce,
administrative, needing big investments of each local;
Fisheries and aquaculture

In order to improve the local market, an initiative of NAFA will be developed under public-private
partnership: an online fish auction project, with the purpose of enabling free competition on the
local market, with direct impact on poaching and monopole prices at second fish sale level. Fish
is currently traded mostly on the black market, and the people trading fish are guilty of tax
evasion 71. In the absence of a regulated market, the fishermen sell the fish at a very low price
dictated by the fish collecting centre in the vicinity of its fishing area. In order to regulate the
market, several measures are proposed under the project: the fish will be recorded with fish
collecting centers, also through tax documents, and an online auction will operate in Tulcea or
other locality near the Delta; several fish collection centers to be authorization in the same
fishing area. This new market organization will generate competitive prices, increased revenue
for fishermen and reduced black market, increased quality of monitoring and additional
revenues from the state budget. The project is in pre-feasibility phase.
Barriers for adaptation are:

 Poaching, intensive fishing and pollution are causing damage to natural resources on the
Delta, with impact for future generations.
 Unfavourable agricultural soil adds pressure on fishery resources, generating a
concentration on other activities, namely fishing.
 Ecological reconstruction is delayed by divergent interests of local institutions, private
sector and environmental entities.
Governance aspects
The quality of life of the local communities are the main priorities for the local authorities’ and
FLAG’s, especially based on improved fishery resource management and the local development
of the communities that are isolated, with generally low education, and which remain very poor.
Thus, restrictive measures such as the various prohibition periods for fish species, fishing
quotas for families and fishermen, building regulations, and imposed materials for construction
in order to preserve Delta’s traditional architecture, are all perceived as development barriers for
adapting to the current societal standards. Many of these restrictions come the governance of
the DD and its status as a protected area (Natura 2000). Nevertheless the active engagement
by the community in the FLAG represents an important adaptive response in terms of
governance and attempts to improve livelihoods in the delta.
71
National Authority for Fishing and Aquaculture, various reports concerning inspections realized to prevent and
combat fish poaching in Danube Delta, 2009
77
7.3 Future development of the community
Local communities depend on the Danube Delta’s natural resources, mainly on fish – a
traditional resource. Local authorities, communities representatives, and fishery sector
representatives consider that the sustainable development of the Danube Delta will be based on
integrating fishing into ecotourism and creating and producing a local brand for organic
products.
The main priorities for the Danube Delta that emerged during the focus group discussion were
as follows:
• Improving the level of education of inhabitants in villages:
- Villages of CA Rosetti and Sf. Gheorghe will concentrated efforts as they
concentrate economic opportunities;
- Creating one extended school infrastructure accommodating young students from
all over Danube Delta and thus ensuring the necessary critical mass of
professional teacher and flow of knowledge. The infrastructure should be located
in the only town of Danube Delta, Sulina.
- Further local authorities should cover subsides for water transport.
• Modernisation and development of public infrastructure and services:

- Water supply and sewage systems;
- Roads linking communities such as Tulcea-Chilia, Nufăru-Maliuc, Sfântu
Gheorghe - Dunavăţul de Sus;
- Modernization of mini-ports (tourism public infrastructure);
- Fishing infrastructure: quays and berths, utilities;
• Local identity management:

- Creating and promoting the local identity elements based on the cultural heritage
and environment;
- Strict application of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve framework regulation
for urban planning. Buildings will be covered with reed or tiles, will be painted in
natural colours, will not have more than two floors, and will use wind or solar
energy;
• Support for fishing activity:

- A more coherent legislation regarding fishing and aquaculture: the markets are
difficult to access;
- Modernization of private fishing facilities such as the outdated and non-
environmental-friendly boats;
- Ecological reconstruction is a solution required to maintain the natural processes
of Danube Delta, with benefits for local communities and for a long-term
conservation of the Delta system.
- Support and assistance for accessing external funding.
78
• Strengthening of local authorities:
- Local autonomy in strategies and development projects of the area;
- A better collaboration between the local councils and fishermen organizations;
• Economic diversification. Fishing is a traditional activity that involves the whole local
community. Economic alternatives should be supported to reduce the pressure on the
fishery resources. The alternatives proposed by the local authorities are:
- Public services (water supply, waste collection);
- Tourism;
- Reed, rush and willow exploitation (underexploited);
- Organic agriculture (underexploited);
- Local processing units based on local products;
- Promotion and education on authenticity.
• Development of a sustainable Danube Delta

- Environmental education;
- Location of landfills for waste collection.
7.4 The role of public intervention
As it is evident from earlier tables in this report detailing the extensive levels of public sector
support, the area under study is currently benefiting from considerable levels of funding, most of
projects being under approval or implementation, while few finalised. This funding covers a wide
range of public investments such as roads, community facilities, and environmental
enhancement and protection, as the region is significantly lagging behind other regions in
Romania. As this type of public infrastructure is the prerequisite for further investment in
fisheries sector, either as public or private projects, in overall terms, public support specifically
for the fisheries sector has not been that significant compared to funds provided for non-fishery
related investments. Thus, out of Euro 50.1 million representing the total value of public
intervention, only 8% have been directed to fishery sector. However, SOP for Fishery and
Aquaculture is in its early stages of implementation, and important fishery investments are
envisaged both as public and private projects.
With regards to the effectiveness of the public support provided, the mid-term review of the
operational programmes is under procedure and no result has been published so far, so no
official impact of recent and more consistent public support is available. Yet, taking into
consideration that (1) the general Romanian absorption rate 72 is of 10.17% for period 2007-
2010, thus very low compared to other central and eastern European countries, and (2) the
amplitude of local and county development strategies, it is reasonable to assume that although
the funds already implemented or under implementation have had an important impact on
72
Inter-ministry Committee for European Funds Management - meeting held on 14.07.2010, report on absorption of
European funds presented by prime-minister
79
communities quality of life, at primary level, a lot of additional effort both in terms of funding and
institutional building should be considered in order to reduce economic, social and cultural
disparities between Danube Delta, as an extended fishery-dependent community and other
similar European communities.
In terms of the future, public support is likely to continue to be important in the area given the
considerable problems that it faces in terms of socio-economic status, and an ability of the
private sector to fund and support the sort of investments needed to address problems
associated with the area’s isolation. Both public and private sector consider that the European
intervention is essential for firstly creating the basics for developing and, afterwards,
strengthening Danube Delta’s sustainable community. The European intervention is crucial for
promoting and implementing long-term strategies and action plans treating the local needs in an
integrated and sustainable manner. In its absence, local and county strategies will be
approached based on individual and isolated actions, developed over an indefinite long term,
thus losing their cross-impact and sustainable effect. Moreover, as Romania’s current economic
decline is widening, its recovery will take an even longer period than anticipated, and local and
national funds will undergo a slow process of improvement, alongside with public projects.
80

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European Commission

Assessment of the status, development and diversification of

Table 2: Fleet segment of the Danube Delta .............................................................................................. 38

Table 3: Stock status for fish species ......................................................................................................... 39

Table 4: Main gears used for commercial fishing ....................................................................................... 48

Table 5: Fish processing units .................................................................................................................... 52

Table 6: Current status of aquaculture sites ............................................................................................... 57

Table 7: Main fishermen organizations ....................................................................................................... 58

Table 8: Public intervention assessment .................................................................................................... 62

Table 9: Stakeholder analysis ..................................................................................................................... 67

Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta ...................................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2: Total population over time ............................................................................................................. 7

Figure 3: Inhabitants by locality .................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 4: Population structure by age group ................................................................................................. 9

Figure 5: Population structure by gender ...................................................................................................... 9

Figure 6: Population structure by environment ........................................................................................... 10

Figure 7: Ethnicity in Danube Delta ............................................................................................................ 11

Figure 8: Migration of the population .......................................................................................................... 12

Figure 13: Contribution of sectors to total employment in 2008 ................................................................. 19

Figure 15: Employment by key economic sector, 2004 to 2008 ................................................................. 21

Figure 17: Unemployed people by locality, 2002 to 2009 ........................................................................... 23

Figure 19: Location of Danube Delta harbours ........................................................................................... 42

Figure 20: Volume of fish by group species ................................................................................................ 45

Figure 21: Trends in volume landings (tonnes)........................................................................................... 46

Figure 22: Trends in value landings ............................................................................................................ 47

Figure 23: Trends in price of species .......................................................................................................... 48

Figure 25: Volumes and value from aquaculture ........................................................................................ 55

DDBRA Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration

FLAG Fishery Local Action Group

NACE Nomenclature statistique des activités économiques

NAFA National Authority for Fishery and Aquaculture

NFSFR National Federation of Sport Fishing in Romania

NGO Non-governmental organization

NUTS Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics

NSP National Strategic Plan for Fisheries

Phare CBC Pologne Hongarie a la Reconstruction des Economies

SAPARD Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and

SOP Sectoral Operational Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

1.1 General description of the location

Figure 1 Map of Danube Delta

1.3 Key geographical characteristics of the community

• Cloudiness: < 5% (the lowest in the country);

Number Locality Villages in the Danube NUTS Area

2.1 Population and population age structure

3.1 Importance of economic activities

3.2 Employment and unemployment

3.3.1. Transport and access infrastructure

The rail transportation is provided by a railway network which ensures transportation

3.3.2. Utilities and general infrastructure

Conclusions on local infrastructure in the Danube Delta:

3.3.3. School infrastructure

Priority Strategic Measure

Ecological reconstruction in fish decorations: Chilia, €1,258,601

Fishery component, Priority D. “Sustainable use of components in terms of biodiversity”,

Project Objective Source of Total value

Rehabilitation of Creating leisure structures in order to Regional €25,000,000

4.1 Details of the local fishing fleets

Danube 1,333 1,715.76 2,144.46

4.2 Fish stock status

MSY Stock status

Carp Time closures: Fishing