Estimate of the Eutrophication Process in the Gruža Reservoir (Serbia and Montenegro)

A contribution to the data on tench (Tinca tinca L., Cyprinidae, pisces) distribution in Serbia

The studies on the ichthyofauna of Serbia that have been conducted so far indicate the sporadic tench (Tinca tinca L.) presence in typical habitats. The hydroenvironmental conditions necessary for the survival of this fish species are highly variable and, generally, are more favourable in the northern part of the country (the Vojvodina Province). Although the tench presence has been registered at over 30 sites, there is a tendency of a decrease in population abundance. This is due to the reduction of the surface area of the macrophyte-covered flood zones induced by the damming and regulation of rivers, high water level fluctuations, and water amount reduction in the majority of watercourses, a massive increase in the number of allochthonous phytofagous species, reservoir sediment deposition, water quality deterioration and other factors. The tench conservation status in Serbia is officially designated as Low Risk - Least Concern. It may be transferred to a higher category if the tendency towards deterioration of survival conditions for the species should continue.

Temporal and spatial distribution of macrophytes in the Gruza Reservoir (Serbia)

A survey of aquatic macrophytes in the Gruza Reservoir (Serbia) was conducted during the period 2007-2008. Detailed data on the actual condition of macrophytes were established and compared between four parts of the reservoir. The distributions of most aquatic macrophytes of the Gruza Reservoir are heterogeneous, with different values of the MMT and MMO indices and low values of the distribution ratio. Quantitative analysis indicates that the greatest diversity and abundance of species can be found in those parts of the reservoir with the shallowest water and greatest indentation of the shoreline.