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Maritime Forum

Danube, neglected food factory

City
Slankamen
Country
Serbia
Stage of project
Stage 1: Concept
Sea basin regions
Black Sea
Topics
Other
Topics - other
Food from the Danube, maintaining and restoring biodiversity
Categories
Research related to solve marine and societal challenges
Community engagement - work with local communities to solve local marine and social challenges and with high social acceptance potential

The purpose of my project is to research the problems created by invasive crabs (faxonius limosis) in Danube. The problem originated at the end of the 19th century when American species of river crabs were brought to Danube. Since then, they massively reproduced. Not only do they kill autochthone crab species but they also eat fish roe. In economic terms it all leads to a loss of at least 50 million Euros (according to the ICPDR Vienna) annually. There is a fear that this invasive specie will expand into other rivers like Tisza and Sava too. I will analyze possible solutions, present findings to high and elementary school pupils and raise awareness about the need to restore biodiversity. The activities include: research of crab situation in Slankamen (a place where Tisza flows into Danube), interview local fishermen, summarize findings, obtain a stuffed exhibit of the invasive crab, draft and article to be published in school magazine, making a presentation, making a video clip for social media. Potentially, I will also approach sponsors to raise funds needed to implement solutions. In the worst case scenario, I would reach out at least 500 students, in the best case scenario, I will create a network of donors and connect them with local community NGOs fighting the Danube river issues. Possible contributors are local NGOs, and students of the Academy for movie making in relation to the production of video clips. Listed activities would take place from April to October 2022.

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