Decline of Artisanal Fisheries in the Croatian Section of the Sava River

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyse the trends of the total artisanal fish catch in the Croatian section of the Sava River. All 17 years of the study (2004-2020) showed a negative trend that became highly statistically significant (p<0.01) in the last eight years. In addition to the total catch, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) also decreased significantly (p<0.05) throughout the study. The reasons for these negative trends are discussed, including a possible decline in artisanal interest, higher fishing pressure from anglers from the Croatian side and both groups of fishermen from the river bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as negative influence of the polluted waters of the large Bosnian river Bosna, which prior to flowing into the lower section of the Sava River, passes through urban and industrial cities. It is suggested to activate the old idea of a common fisheries management body that would include both groups of fishermen (anglers and artisanal fishermen), government representatives and scientists from both countries.

Decline of Artisanal Fish Catch by Species in the Croatian Section of the Sava River

“…In the same period, the catches of the other three species mentioned in the register, starlet Acipenser ruthenus, asp Leuciscus aspius and tench Tinca tinca, fluctuated without trend, which can be attributed to high CV at the low quantities (Treer, 2022). These negative trends in absolute catch numbers (kg) are followed by a significant decline in CPUE (P < 0.01) among artisanal fishers (Treer, 2023). The decline in catches of sought-after fish species can also be observed elsewhere and has been thoroughly investigated in the Baltic Sea, where declines have been recorded particularly for pike (Nilsson et al, 2019;Bergström et al, 2022;Psuty et al, 2023), pike perch and roach Rutilus rutilus (Mustamaki et al, 2014;Andrasunas et al, 2022).…”

“…Its lower part flows along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, where both fishing activities are allowed in both countries -artisanal fishing and recreational fishing (angling). Previous studies have shown that total commercial catches have declined sharply in the Croatian section (Treer, 2023). In addition, the last part of the river in Croatia (Vukovar-Sirmiun County) is characterised by the trend of declining catches of common carp Cyprinus carpio, northern pike Esox lucius, pike perch Sander lucioperca and wels catfish Silurus glanis (Treer, 2022).…”