Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2025-03-26

Description

Description (EN):

Sturgeons are among the world's most valuable wildlife resources, sometimes even called “living fossils” by scientists. In fact, sturgeons originated more than 200 million years ago, outlasted the dinosaurs, but today are the most threatened animals on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) list – identified as “critically endangered”. These northern hemisphere fishes can be found in large river systems, lakes, coastal waters and inner seas throughout Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine, and other European countries. For people around the world, their caviar, i.e. unfertilized sturgeon roe, is a delicacy and, indeed, an expensive one. For the Black Sea Basin States, sturgeons are a major source of income and employment, as well as a vital element of the local food chain for millennia. Threats such as extensive water pollution and destruction of natural watercourses and habitats that affect their breeding grounds, in addition to current trends in illegal harvest and trade, put all these benefits at risk; as sturgeons do not reproduce annually and live long – up to 100 years – they are particularly vulnerable to these threats and take many decades to recover. The situation in the Black Sea where most of the world's caviar is produced, as well as in the Caspian Sea, is particularly worrying; it is estimated that the number of sturgeons in major basins has declined by 70% over the last century. More specifically, the sturgeon species that inhabit the Danube River and its Delta along the Black Sea are some of the most important globally, as Romania and, to a lesser extent, Bulgaria, hold the only still viable wild sturgeon populations in the European Union. It is thus a common challenge for all participating partners from Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine and Greece to address such problems that, in the not-so-long run, have the potential to disrupt the Black Sea Basin ecosystem and cause environmental destructions to all surrounding countries, to their natural wealth and heritage. Therefore, project “SturNet” is based on the implementation of a transversal Group of Activities that will peak towards the development of a free and open Digital Mapping Tool (as an application and web-portal), that will provide an insight into sturgeons’ behaviour and migration routes in the Black Sea Basin, in order to display the “hotspots” of sturgeon reproduction, resting and gatherings, for each month/season/period of the year, so that local authorities, fisherpersons, NGOs, etc. are kept informed and aware about when to avoid these areas at all times, in order to enhance the ability of sturgeons to reproduce and achieve balance to the biodiversity and the local ecosystem. To reach this point we will start by detecting the environmental parameters and biotic factors and sturgeon dynamics in a single model towards the assessment of current environmental status of aquatic areas, where sturgeon’s populations are either characterized by high welfare or are strongly endangered. And to promote all outputs we will develop the Transnational Sturgeon Network "SturNet" which will act as the spearhead of dissemination, communication, awareness raising and policy reform of our project. In this context, we consider our project “Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem” (“SturNet”) to be a novelty, and the project partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Moldova, Ukraine and Greece are determined to address the identified problems that, in the not-so-long run, have the potential to disrupt the Black Sea Basin ecosystem and cause environmental – and economical – destructions to all surrounding countries and to their natural wealth and overall development. Therefore, the reduction of overfishing and the related awareness raising towards policymakers and the public, will help normalize the reproduction cycle of sturgeons and their overall preservation in order to sustain the food chain. Moreover, it will have positive effects over the long-term employment of the local fishing communities and other professionals of all surrounding countries, and thus informing them for the benefits of a balanced and sustainable exploitation will be key. It will also help create a cleaner and better natural environment in the shores of the Black Sea and of the Danube River, which in turn will have other positive effects for the participating countries, such as an increase in ecotourism and increase in the overall well-being of the local population.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Our overall objective is to implement joint actions for the protection and preservation of the sturgeon belonging in the genera Huso and Acipenser. In the context of the multinational and multifactorial aspect of conservation of these fish species, which inhabit a marine area shared by several different countries, joint actions are necessary to achieve these purposes and should be agreed and adopted by all countries in the area. Specifically, our scope is to collect data and develop a digital mapping tool & application indicating the extent of risk of each specific marine area within Black Sea regarding sturgeon conservation, at real-time. Different marine areas will be categorized according to their need for protection measures with a scale starting from “least concern” to “hot-spot”. The constant monitoring through local authorities, civil society and future scientific measurements will contribute to a dynamic system, modifiable based on future changes in aquatic environment.

Project outputs: Joint policy brief on sturgeon conservation in the Black sea basin(EN)
SturNet Digital Cooperation tool(EN)
Publication of population dynamics(EN)

Thematic information

Sustainable management of natural resources Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P1) Blue and Smart Region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 012 Research and innovation activities in public research centres, higher education and centres of competence including networking (industrial research, experimental development, feasibility studies)

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Фондация "Опазване на биоразнообразието в България"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881949900

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG176932524

Address: Phoenix, 8124 Chernomoretz, Bulgaria

Department address: Ivan Vazov blvd., 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://biodiversity.foundation/bg/

Total budget: EUR 215 557.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 194 002.12

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 555.80

Contractors:

Name: OPIMOS
VAT registration or tax identification number: UIC/PIC: 176976015
Name: COFFEE MONDO Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 205284567
Name: Labtech
VAT registration or tax identification number: 115752045

INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA – GEOECOMAR

Name: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA – GEOECOMAR

Department: SUCURSALA CONSTANTA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999461617

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO5194978 | 37424048; J13/1144/20.04.2017 | VAT and Trade register no. for Constanta Branch (EN)

Address: DIMITRIE ONCIUL STREET, 024053 BUCHAREST, Romania

Department address: MAMAIA BOULEVARD, 900581 Constanţa, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.geoecomar.ro

Total budget: EUR 191 803.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 172 623.52

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 180.40

Contractors:

Name: S.C. SAFETYMED S.R.L
VAT registration or tax identification number: 39135127
Name: S.C. PC GARAGE S.R.L
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO17612390
Name: IT TECH MASTERS SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO37648568
Name: Dwyn Electronics SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO31836120
Name: S.C. PC GARAGE S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO17612390
Name: PC Garage SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO17612390

Державна Установа «Інститут ринку та економіко-екологічних досліджень НАН України»

Name: Державна Установа «Інститут ринку та економіко-екологічних досліджень НАН України»

Department: Main Office

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911901754

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Frantsuzskiy Boulevard, 65044 Odessa, Ukraine

Department address: Frantsuzskiy Boulevard, 65044 Odessa, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://en.impeer.org.ua/

Total budget: EUR 169 744.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 152 770.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 974.48

Gebze Teknik Üniversitesi

Name: Gebze Teknik Üniversitesi

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 949525047

Partner’s ID if not PIC: TR3890052684

Address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey

Department address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.gtu.edu.tr/

Total budget: EUR 168 435.12

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 591.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 843.52

Contractors:

Name: ANTTEKNİK
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3890052684

Ecological Counseling Center Cahul

Name: Ecological Counseling Center Cahul

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 939269431

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N/A | 1022620006810 | IDNO (EN)

Address: Stefan cel Mare St., MD-3900 Cahul, Moldova

Department address: Stefan cel Mare St., MD-3900 Cahul, Moldova

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 168 691.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 822.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 869.20

Contractors:

Name: Crina Patrichi
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: S.R.L. “ADEL CATERING”
VAT registration or tax identification number: IDNO 1024603000361

Sub-Contractors:

Name: Crina Patrichi
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: S.R.L. “ADEL CATERING
VAT registration or tax identification number: IDNO 1024603000361

ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ - ΕΙΔΙΚΟΣ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΚΟΝΔΥΛΙΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ

Name: ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ - ΕΙΔΙΚΟΣ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΚΟΝΔΥΛΙΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ

Department: School of Veterinary Medicine

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999895692

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL090049627

Address: Tritis Septemvriou, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: Tritis Septemvriou, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.auth.gr/en/

Total budget: EUR 234 175.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 210 758.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 417.60

Contractors:

Name: SERVION ΕΕ
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL801235060
Name: ELTA 90 MGR
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL801572782

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem

Project acronym: SturNet

Project ID: BSB00172

Project start date: 2024-08-30

Project end date: 2027-02-27

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

"Managing and restoring aquatic EcologicAl corridors for migratory fiSh species in the danUbe RivEr baSin"
Financing programme - 2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB Danube (EN) | Project "MEASURES" paved the way for the establishment of ecological corridors through identifying key habitats and initiating protective measures along the Danube and its main tributaries. A methodology for migratory fish habitat mapping was developed and tested. A harmonized strategy (including prioritization) for the restoration of ecological corridors was developed for the support implementation in future plans, such as the realization of "SturNet".
This project ended on 2021, so we will only look to exchange ideas and practices, as well as to further innovate and update over the common grounds that we have, avoiding overlapping at all times. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 148 409.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 033 568.60

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion EUSAIR’s goal is to promote the economic, social prosperity, and growth in the Adriatic-Ionian Seas region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. As in our project Greece participates, which is also a participating country in EUSAIR, there will be the opportunity to make a contribution through “SturNet” methodology to similar challenges faces, although of course not in regards to sturgeon in specific.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The EU Strategy for the Danube region covers parts of 9 EU countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia) and 5 non-EU countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Ukraine and Moldova). Of course, among the region’s identified threats is the environmental threat (water pollution, floods, climate change, etc.).
An essential part of the Implementation Activities of “SturNet” will be organized exactly at the point where the shores of the Danube meet the Black Sea, and where important populations of sturgeons still try to live. Thus, our project will definitely contribute toward tackling this threat, as it has the environmental challenge to the centre of its objectives and activities, while involving partners from key regions of the above mentioned countries (Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova).
SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) for the Black Sea is a sea basin initiative to enhance regional cooperation for achieving a sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea. It is developed in the broader framework of the Black Sea Synergy. It sets the following goals to help generate sustainable growth in coastal regions:
1. Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems
2. A competitive, innovative and sustainable blue economy for the Black Sea, and
3. Fostering Investment in the Black Sea blue economy
We believe that through the implementation of the project activities of “SturNet”, we will contribute to all of the above goals as follows:
1. Protection of sturgeons’ habitats
2. Innovation through the primary research and the digital mapping tool that we are going to create
3. Subsequently increased investment opportunities through the bettering of the balance of the Black Sea Basin’s ecosystem and overall value chain
Other The Eastern Partnership (EaP) represents the Eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). It is based on shared values of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and it aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union and its six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Project “SturNet” will clearly contribute to the goals of EaP, as it involves partners from Moldova and Ukraine, while four more partners come from Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece that are located in the eastern Neighbourhood and are already member states of the EU. Therefore, transnational cooperation and exchange of good practices between those countries will actively take place through the project’s implementation, while all European values will be celebrated, as project partners will work together in order to achieve common solutions for common problems that affect their region and their citizens.
Other Pan-European Action Plan for Sturgeons. This Action Plan in general addresses the entire Bern Convention scope (51 Contracting Parties, including the European Union) and in particular the countries with shared sturgeon waters in Europe. As such, it focuses primarily on the sea basins in Europe: Black Sea, Mediterranean, North-East Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic Sea, and the main rivers with relevant current or historic sturgeon populations.
The plan is intended to serve as a guiding framework on the Pan-European level. It shall not replace national or regional plans in existence; on the contrary, it shall serve as a guiding framework for their development or renewal. National and/or regional plans on the level of river basins can provide more detailed analysis of threats, countermeasures to be taken as well as milestones, addressing progress on specific results. They can also address and incorporate the roles of responsible organisations in more detail.
Since it is set to function until 2029, it is something that we have taken already under account in the development of our project’s workplan.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 007 - Research organisations participating in joint research projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-03-26

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

32 / 32 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

148 / 148 (100%)

Notes on the data

Programme's page last visited on 2025-03-17.

Languages

Contact Form

Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer