Promotion of friendly aquaculture and wildlife management practices in some tributary systems of Albania

After 1990 inland aquaculture became a popular economic activity for the rural areas. Farmers are however, claiming that a considerable amount of fishes are consumed by otter. There are no accurate data related to the current status of otter (Lutra lutra) in Albania. The presence of this species is reported by Bego (1997) and there are some other references in the State of Environmental Reports and National Strategy for Biodiversity and Action Plan. In the Albanian Red List (MoEFWA, 2007) otter is treated as a vulnerable species and there are no specific measures for its conservation. There is no action plan that provides guidelines for species conservation.

Project aims and objectives

The main project aim is promoting friendly aquaculture and wildlife management practices in water areas of Albania.

The objectives:

• Ensure the protection of the species under the instrumentation of the law on Biodiversity and implementation of Biodiversity Strategy and Action and other relevant Acts and Conventions.
• Ensure that action for conservation of species and their habitats are given an appropriate level of protection in national and local plans.
• Ensure that fishery policy does not adversely affect the local otter population