Fish Consumption Patterns of Populations in Vicinities of Lake Kastoria and Lake Pamvotis, Greece

Objectives are to establish fish consumption patterns of populations in vicinities of two lakes (Kastoria and Pamvotis) in Greece for use in the assessment of risks associated with consumption of fishes in these agri-chemically impaired lakes. Parameters measured were demographics (i.e., gender, age, weight, education level, occupation, residency), freshwater fish eating frequency, species and sizes of fishes consumed, and fish consumption habits [i.e., quantity, parts, and preparation method). All annual mean site-specific consumption rates of the four gender-age class sub-populations surveyed in vicinity of Lake Kastoria (avg. range= 0.103-0.29 kg/day) exceed those of Greece (0.066 kg/day), EU (0.068 kg/day), Spain (0.104 kg/day), Portugal (0.159 kg/day), and the USEPA default value (0.054 kg/day) with two exceptions. Female consumption rates (0.087-0.103 kg/day) of Perca fluviatilis were below annual consumption rates of Spain and Portugal. Similarly, annual mean site-specific consumption rates of Anguilla anguilla and Cyprinus carpio by male (0.199-0.210 kg/day) and female adults (0.096-0.157 kg/day) in vicinity of Lake Pamvotis exceeded those of Greece, EU, Spain, Portugal, and the USEPA default value. Survey results indicate better-educated Greeks to be higher consumers of fish; however, market availability appears to be a stronger determinant of food choice in comparison to health education. All populations in vicinities of both lakes preferred to eat fried fishes with one exception: grilled C. carpio from Lake Pamvotis was preferred by female and male adults

Creating a Geographical Information System for Freshwater Crabs and Fishes in Greece

A geographical information system (GIS) for freshwater crabs and fishes in Greece was created in response to the European Environmental Agency\u27s (EEA) biodiversity initiative for European Union countries. A total of 1931 collections, made with seines, dipnets, and backpack electroshockers in 32 drainages of Greece, yielded 126 species of fishes and crabs in 2,359 data records including species, latitude, longitude, drainage, prefecture, and locality, 731 also include stream order, elevation, gradient, stream width and depth, pH, temperature, and distance to river mouth. Our GIS indicates current distributions of species, species rich and poor areas, anomalous species distributions, areas warranting further sampling, and cogeneric species whose overlapping ecological distributions call for taxonomic and phylogenetic investigation. In applied studies, the freshwater GIS can be an integral tool for EEA\u27s biodiversity inventory of the southern Balkan peninsula, an inland fisheries management plan, designs for environmental impact studies, and conducting gap analyses for the region

Assessment of Human Health Risks from Chemically Contaminated Lake Fishes In Greece

Objectives were to conduct screening level surveys of locally consumed fish tissues in vicinities of two lakes (Kastoria and Pamvotis) in Greece to determine the presence of halogenated organic compounds and determine carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with the consumption of sampled fish tissues. Results estimate the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risks (ILCR) and Hazard Index (HI) values for the two local populations using site-specific population data. These results were compared to analyses conducted using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency default values in an effort to determine the applicability of USEPA default values to assessments of risks in non U.S. populations. Using site specific data, 87 % of the mean ILCRs calculated for total populations and sub-populations (i.e. female adult, female youth, male adult and male youth) consuming fishes from the two lakes we studied were above USEPA’s acceptable cancer risk of 1.0E-06; 53 % of the mean HIs were greater than 1.0. The USEPA default value (0.054 kg/d) for ingestion rate (IR) is considerably lower than the mean site specific IRs derived from populations in vicinity of Lake Kastoria (0.20; min.=0.09; max.=0.29 kg/d) and Lake Pamvotis (0.10; min.=0.01; max.=0.21 kg/d). These differences point to the need for the development of default values specific to the regions and population consumption patterns within Greece

BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE ECOSYSTEM OF LAKE KORONIA (MACE DONIA , GREECE)

ΤHE CONSECTION OF SIX HEAVY METALS (CD, CR, CU, FE, PB, ZN) HAVE BEEN MEASURED IN WATER AND SADIMENT AS WELL AS IN THE PHYTOPLANKTON, ZOOPLANKTON, ZOOBENTHOS AND FISH (PERCA FLURIATILIS , PERCH) OF LAKE KORONIA. SOME PHYSICOCHEMICALPARAMETRS OF WATER WERE ALSO EXAMINED . SAMPLES WERE COLLECTED FROM FIVE SAMPLING STATIONS DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY 1989 TO FEBRUARY 1991 . ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY , MEAN NH4-N AND PO4P CONCENTRATIONS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CYPRINIDE, BUT THE MEAN VALUE OF NO3- N CONCENTRATIONS WAS FOUND TO BE TWICE THE PERMISSIBLE LEVELS. THE CONCENTRATIONS OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER WERE HIGHER THAN THOSO RELEVED IN UNPOLLUTED AREAS. THE LEVELS OF HEAVYMETALS IN THE SEDIMENT WERE FOUND WITHIN THE RANGE OF THOSE CONCERNING AREASWITH LIGHT AND/OR MIDDLE POLLUTION . THE HIGH VALUES OF THE BIOCONCETRATIONFACTOR CONFIRM THE ABILITY OF PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON , TO UPDATE HEAVY METALS AND CONCENTRATE THEM IN THEIR CELLS . METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE DIFFERENT BENTHIC INVECTABRAT E TAXA DIFFERENT AMONG THEM .PERCH WERE FOUND CONTOMINATED WITH PB AND CD. THESE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY SHOWED THAT THE FOOD-CHAIN EFFECT IS TRUE ONLY OF ZN AND PARTLY OF PB.ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ ΕΡΕΥΝΑ ΕΠΙΔΙΩΧΘΗΚΕ Ο ΠΡΟΣΔΙΟΡΙΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΕΩΝ ΕΞΙ ΒΑΡΕΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΛΛΩΝ (CD, CR, CU, FE, PB, ΖN) ΣΤΟ ΝΕΡΟ , ΣΤΟ ΙΖΗΜΑ , ΣΤΟ ΦΥΤΟΠΛΑΓΚΤΟΝ, ΣΤΟ ΖΩΟΠΛΑΓΚΤΟΝ, ΣΤΟΥΣ ΒΕΝΔΙΚΟΥΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΨΑΡΙΑ (ΠΕΡΚΙ) ΤΗΣ ΛΙΜΝΗΣΚΟΡΩΝΕΙΑΣ . ΕΠΙΣΗΣ ΜΕΛΕΤ ΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΟΡΙΣΜΕΝΕΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΟΧΗΜΙΚΕΣ ΠΑΡΑΜΕΤΡΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΝΕΡΟΥ . ΟΙ ΔΕΙΓΜΑΤΟΛΗΨΙΕΣ ΕΓΙΝΑΝ ΣΕ 5 ΣΤΑΘΜΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΛΥΨΑΝ ΤΗΝ ΠΕΡΙΟΔΟ ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 1989-ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 1991. Η ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΥΔΑΤΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΛΙΜΝΗΣ ΦΑΝΗΚΕ ΝΑ ΠΛΗΡΕΙ, ΩΣ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΜΕΣΕΣ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΕΙΣ ΑΜΜΩΝΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΖΩΤΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΔΙΑΛΥΤΩΝ ΟΡΘΟΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΤΙΣ ΠΡΟΥΠΟΘΕΣΕΙΣ ΓΙΑ ΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΕΙΑ ΚΥΠΡΙΝΟΕΙΔΩΝ. Η ΜΕΣΗ ΤΙΜΗ ΝΙΤΡΙΚΟΥ ΑΖΩΤΟΥ ΒΡΕΘΗΚΕ ΔΙΠΛΑΣΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΟΡΙΑΚΗΣ . ΟΙ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΡΕΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΛΛΩΝ ΣΤΟ ΝΕΡΟ ΒΡΕΘΗΚΑΝ ΥΨΗΛΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΑΝΑΦΕΡΟΝΤΑΙ ΣΕ ΜΗ ΡΥΠΑΣΜΕΝΕΣ ΠΕΡ ΙΟΧΕΣ, ΕΝΩ ΤΟ ΙΖΗΜΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΟ ΕΥΡΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΑΦΡΑ Η/ΚΑΙ ΜΕ ΜΕΤΡΙΑ ΡΥΠΑΝΣΗ ΛΙΜΝΩΝ . ΟΙΥΨΗΛΕΣ ΤΙΜΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΥΝΤΕΛΡΣΤΗ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΡΕΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΛΛΩΝ ΣΤΟΥΣ ΦΥΤΟΠΛΑΓΚΤΙΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΖΩΟΠΛΑΓΚΤΙΚΟΥΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΥΣ , ΔΕΙΧΝΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΙΚΑΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΩΝΑΥΤΩΝ ΝΑ ΠΡΟΣΛΑΜΒΑΝ ΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΒΑΡΕΑ ΜΕΤΑΛΛΑ ΚΑΙ ΝΑ ΤΑ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΝΟΥΝ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΑ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΑ ΤΟΥΣ . ΟΙ ΟΜΑΔΕΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΕΝΘΙΚΩΝ ΑΣΠΟΝΔΥΛΩΝ ΔΙΕΦΕΡΟΥΝ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΑ ΩΣ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΟ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΕ ΜΕΤΑΛΛΑ . ΤΑ ΨΑΡΙΑ (ΠΕΡΚΙΑ) ΒΡΕΘΗΚΑΝ ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΜΕΝΑ ΜΕ PB ΚΑΙ CD . Η ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΤΡΟΦΙΚΗΣ ΑΛΥΣΙΔΑΣ ΒΡΕΘΗ ΚΕ ΟΤΙ ΙΣΧΥΕΙ ΜΟΝΟ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΖNΚΑΙ ΕΝ ΜΕΡΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ PB

The Compositional and Functional Diversity of a Mediterranean Urban Lake’s Fish Fauna over the Past 120 Years

This study examines the compositional (taxonomic) and functional diversity changes in the fish fauna of a Mediterranean urban lake (Lake Kastoria) over a period of 12 decades (1900–2020, as of 2022). Moreover, the current status (2010 and 2022) of the fish fauna is assessed along with the lake’s ecological quality. Intentional or accidental species introductions resulted in significant compositional changes in the lake’s fish fauna. The functional richness among the assemblages from 1900 and 2020 was increased due to species introductions, resulting in a peak of functional dissimilarity in 1990, when most introductions took place. However, the functional dissimilarity measures revealed that there have been moderate changes in groups of the functional traits which may be indicative of high species competition. The lake’s open waters are dominated by Rutilus rutilus and the introduced species Perca fluviatilis and Lepomis gibbosus. The estimated ecological quality was higher in 2022 than in 2010, categorizing the lake as having “Moderate” quality and providing an upgrade from its earlier ‘Poor” condition. This positive shift is attributed in part to the burgeoning population of Perca fluviatilis, as evidenced by increased catch rates. The species’ resurgence may be linked to enhancements in the lake’s physicochemical parameters, potentially facilitated by more effective treatment of urban wastes. The study underscores the complex interplay between species introductions, functional diversity, and ecological quality in the urban Lake Kastoria, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and management efforts to sustainably preserve and enhance the biodiversity and ecological integrity of urban aquatic ecosystems

Unraveling Greek Inland Competitive Fishing: Historical Insights, Angler Profiles, and Motivations through Limited Data Integration in Recreational Fishing Research

This study delves into the realm of competitive sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, where recent years have witnessed a notable surge in such activities. Despite the absence of official records, insights into the sport’s trend and the motivations and socio-demographic characteristics of anglers participating in fishing competitions were gleaned from digital data sourced from online platforms and interviews with anglers. Our findings illuminate the growing popularity of sport fishing in Greece, evident in the increasing number of fishing competitions and the burgeoning angling community. Predominantly male, anglers exhibit a strong dedication to catch-and-release practices, citing relaxation and socialization as primary motivations, with competitive aspirations also shaping their involvement. Moreover, the study highlights legislative gaps in inland water fisheries regulations, underscoring the need for updates to ensure sustainable management and to mitigate illegal activities. Additionally, there exists an opportunity to bolster anglers’ ecological awareness through targeted education initiatives. Ultimately, addressing these conclusions holds the potential to foster responsible fishing practices and contribute to the long-term sustainability of inland water fisheries

Assessing the Ecological Water Level: The Case of Four Mediterranean Lakes

The ecological water regime in lake water bodies refers to the water levels that enable the fulfillment of the ecosystem’s multiple functions. Therefore, assessing the ecological water regime necessitates the consideration of hydrological, economic, social, and ecological factors. The present research is focused on the assessment of the ecological water level of four Mediterranean natural lake ecosystems, considering their morphological and biological features. Initially, suggestions on the ecological water regime of the studied lakes were made based on an analysis of the lakes’ morphometry. Further, the ecological and biological requirements of the present fish fauna and aquatic macrophytic vegetation were considered. For the latter, mapping was conducted by extensive sampling according to international standards, in order to assess macrophyte composition, abundance, and chorology, as well as species sensitivity to water level fluctuations. The above guided the proposals on the optimal water level regime that should be met by each lake regarding the macrophytic and fish communities’ sustainability, also taking into account the unique hydromorphological features of each lake. The differences in the outcoming results revealed that hydromorphological and biological approaches should be combined for assessing lakes’ ecological water regimes

Assessing the Fish Stock Status in Lake Trichonis: A Hydroacoustic Approach

Fish stock monitoring is an important element for the sustainable management of inland water resources. A scarcity of data and the lack of systematic monitoring for Lake Trichonis precludes an up-to-date assessment. To assess the current status of pelagic fish stock, a hydroacousting survey was conducted for the first time in Lake Trichonis, Greece. In October 2019, the lake was acoustically surveyed with two, horizontally and vertically mounted, 120 kHz transducers during day and night. A decreasing gradient in pelagic fish density from the western to the eastern shores of the lake was observed. Fish density was significantly higher in the intermediate layers of the water column, in the eastern region, compared to the western region. The lake appears to host primarily communities of small-sized fish (TL: 0–5 cm), whereas larger fish (TL: 5–50 cm) are a small minority of the total fish stock. The overall average estimated fish length was approximately 2.4 cm. The adoption of routine inland fish stock monitoring through hydroacoustic methods could be a promising step in the effort to improve the understanding of unique inland water ecosystems with minimum impact on endemic species, as well as to mitigate human impact and achieve long-term sustainable management

Monitoring water quality parameters of lake Koronia by means of long time-series multispectral satellite images

In this study, a comprehensive 30-year (1984-2016) water quality parameter database for Lake Koronia - one of the most important Ramsar wetlands of Greece - was compiled from Landsat imagery. The reliability of the data was evaluated by comparing water Quality Element (QE) values computed from Landsat data against in situ data. Water quality algorithms developed from previous studies, specifically for the determination of Water Temperature and pH, were applied to Landsat images. In addition, Water Depth, as along with the distribution of floating vegetation and cyanobacterial blooms, were mapped. The performed comprehensive analysis posed certain questions regarding the applicability of single empirical models across multi-temporal, multi-sensor datasets, towards the accurate prediction of key water quality indicators for shallow inland systems. Overall, this assessment demonstrates that despite some limitations, satellite imagery can provide an accurate means of obtaining comprehensive spatial and temporal coverage of key water quality characteristics.17618

Monitoring water quality parameters of Lake Koronia by means of long time-series multispectral satellite images

In this study, a comprehensive 30-year (1984–2016) water quality parameter database for Lake Koronia – one of the most important Ramsar wetlands of Greece – was compiled from Landsat imagery. The reliability of the data was evaluated by comparing water Quality Element (QE) values computed from Landsat data against in situ data. Water quality algorithms developed from previous studies, specifically for the determination of Water Temperature and pH, were applied to Landsat images. In addition, Water Depth, as along with the distribution of floating vegetation and cyanobacterial blooms, were mapped. The performed comprehensive analysis posed certain questions regarding the applicability of single empirical models across multi-temporal, multi-sensor datasets, towards the accurate prediction of key water quality indicators for shallow inland systems. Overall, this assessment demonstrates that despite some limitations, satellite imagery can provide an accurate means of obtaining comprehensive spatial and temporal coverage of key water quality characteristics