Invasive Alien Species of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish in the Bulgarian Sector of the Danube River-Results of the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4)

The aim of this study was to assess the status of aquatic invasive alien species (IAS) in the shoreline zone of the Bulgarian sector of the Danube River, Danube tributaries, and adjacent standing water bodies in the frame of the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4). Seven benthic macroinvertebrates and seven fish IAS were identified. The crayfish Faxonius limosus was frequently found and abundant in the tributaries. The mussels Corbicula fluminea, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, and Sinanodonta woodiana dominated in the Danube River and the middle and lower reaches of the tributaries, while the fish Carassius gibelio, Perccottus glenii, and Lepomis gibbosus were most abundant in the standing water bodies. The integrated biocontamination estimated by taxonomic groups (crayfish, molluscs, and fish), sampling methods, and type of water bodies ranged from moderate in the shoreline zone of the Danube River, through moderate to high in the canals and lakes, to severe in the Danube tributaries and the reservoirs. The results demonstrate the importance of IAS in the assessment of the ecological status/potential of the water bodies in the DRB. The comprehensive evaluation of the aquatic IAS pressure will provide valuable information and support for the implementation of the national and EU IAS and water policies in the DRB.

Automated summary

This study assessed the status of aquatic invasive alien species (IAS) in the Bulgarian section of the Danube River, its tributaries, and surrounding standing water bodies. The results revealed the presence of various IAS, such as crayfish, mussels, and fish, with varying degrees of contamination in different water bodies. The study highlights the importance of considering IAS in evaluating the ecological status and potential of water bodies.