Sturgeon Project

Contract for the Procurement of a mobile station for rearing sturgeon juveniles (design and execution) – within the project SMIS 136849 “Development of the Monitoring Station for Migratory Fish: Sturgeons and Shad - Isaccea, Tulcea County" 65 / 15.12.2022

Objectives Expected to Be Achieved Through the Implementation of the Public Investment:

The general objective of the project is to implement measures from the Management Plan of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve for monitoring the status of migratory fish populations, sturgeons, and Danube shad in the Delta. This objective is part of the broader goal of protecting natural assets and resources.

• Creation of a monitoring station for migratory fish populations: sturgeons and Danube shad
• Knowledge of the health status of sturgeon and shad species in the Reserve
• Establishment of regulations for conserving essential habitats for the survival of sturgeon and shad, with the involvement of ecology specialists in approving measures that impact the species
• Increasing public awareness regarding the conservation of sturgeon and shad species

A floating mobile station (pontoon type) for rearing sturgeon juveniles will be built. This "mobile platform" will use Danube water to supply an incubation station and a rearing module. It will be movable, moored or anchored at the riverbank in areas chosen according to water quality.

Main components of the mobile sturgeon rearing station:

• Incubation station: containerized, with 4 rearing troughs (0.2 m³ each), each fitted with two McDonald-type incubators. Recirculating system using Danube water or potable water from shore.
• Rearing room with:
• Circular tanks, 3 m diameter, 5.6 m³ each. Three tanks will act as vortex sedimentation units, two tanks for sturgeon broodstock holding.
• 24 rectangular tanks with rounded corners, 1.1 m³ each.
• One longitudinal tank (approx. 3 × 1.2 m, 3 m³) for clarified water collection and pumping distribution.
• Oxygen generator (compact containerized model).
• Diesel electric generator for backup power when shore supply or photovoltaic system is unavailable.
• Bicameral tank for collecting and drying technological sludge, needed for separating sediments before discharge into the Danube.
• Auxiliary spaces for staff: living room, kitchen, rest cabin, bathroom with WC and shower.

The floating station will also include:

• Freshwater tank and shore water connection
• Wastewater storage tank
• Diesel tank
• Access gangway from shore
• Mooring and anchoring equipment (posts, cables, ropes)
• Other equipment required by ANR technical norms and Danube navigation regulations

Production capacity:
The main focus will be sturgeon, with expected annual production of about 5,000 beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) or up to 7,500 Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti). The station will also be able to reproduce other species of interest such as pike, catfish, and native cyprinids (carp, crucian carp, tench)