NATURA 2000 POTENTIAL SITES IN ALBANIA – A CONTRIBUTION OF FISH SPECIES OF COMMUNITY INTEREST

Abstract: The aim of this presentation is to address the Fish Species of Community Interest (FSCI) revealed through a three years identification process in selected sites all over Albania. At the European scale fishing was pointed out as one of the major threats to the both marine and freshwater environment. Based on FSCI populations presence in different sites of Albania (including freshwater, coastal marine and lagoon), their variation under qualitative and quantitative aspects, relations with their ecological needs and the presence of different human impact through the NATURA 2000 Al project were highlighted the main management directions which should create the framework for the actual and future management plan for the selected areas with protected status. The fish species present in the Annex II of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) of the potential Natura 2000 sites in Albania management elements include: Acipenser naccarii, Acipenser sturio, Alosa falax, Alosa sp. nov. ‘Scadar’,Cottus gobio, Misgurnus fosilis, Alburnoides prespensis, Alburnus belvica, Pelasgus prespensis, Rutilus prespensis, Rhodeus amarus, Telestes montenegrinus, Telestes pleurobipunctatus, Aphanius fasciatus, Knipowitschia montenegrina, Eudontomyzon stankokaramani, Petromyzon marinus, Lampetra planeri, Lampetra fluviatilis, Salmo marmoratus, Salmo peristericus,Valencia letourneuxi. The identified and delivered conservation goal for fish species of community interest is focused on: Maintain and restore viable populations of existing fish species as an integral part of the NATURA 2000 site ecosystems. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary to identify and mitigate or remove threats to the fish populations and their habitat.