Inland Fisheries in Serbia: Historical Aspect, Fish Resources, Management, and Conservation

Abstract

The chapter presents the history of fisheries in Serbia from 1860 until today. The chapter discusses the development of society (political, social, eco-nomic) and its relationship to fisheries and fishery resources. Additionally, an analysis of the development of fisheries legislation and its practical application in commercial and recreational fisheries was carried out. The main impacts on fish stocks in the past and present are analyzed, such as the fragmentation of large riv-ers (Danube, Drina) by hydroelectric dams, the creation of reservoirs for the water supply on the smaller rivers, the construction of small hydropower plants on mountain rivers, land reclamation and agricultural development, deforestation, the impact of allochthonous species, pollution, overfishing, and illegal fishing. Offi-cial statistical data on the fish catches by commercial fishermen over the last 70 years in the fisheries waters of Serbia are analyzed and compared. Estimates and difficulties in estimating fishing pressure by recreational anglers are presented, as well as suggestions for overcoming these problems. The current state of fish stocks can be characterized as the following: at the limit of sustainability for parts of the Danube, Sava, and waters in some protected areas, moderately sustainable for most fishing waters, and very sustainable for some reservoirs in the Great Mo-rava and Drina basins, a small number of salmonid waters and protected pond eco-systems.