© Matt Ford
On 28th October the Spanish conservation and study group ‘Sociedad de Estudios Ictiológicos’ (SEI) released 1200 adult individuals of the Spanish toothcarp, Aphanius iberus, into a coastal lagoon within the protected ‘Espais Naturals del Delta del Llobregat‘ nature reserve, located close to Barcelona.
The reserve represents all that is left of the Llobregat river delta, the remainder having been consumed by ongoing urbanisation, agriculture, and Barcelona’s ‘El Prat’ airport. See the release point in the map below, and zoom out to get an idea of how the site is surrounded by such developments on all sides:
View Fartet release point 28.10.12 in a larger map
Aphanius iberus is known locally as ‘fartet’, and was once common along the Mediterranean coastlines of southern France and Spain, but its numbers have declined drastically in the last century as wetlands have been drained for conversion to agriculture, or as a preventative measure against malaria.
The species no longer occurs in France, is restricted to a handful of isolated localities in Spain, and is considered among the most endangered fishes in Europe.
The SEI have been working with the Llobregat population for several years, breeding large numbers in conditions of semi-liberty and releasing them at various points within the park, with the intention of reestablishing viable populations.
They also maintain a number of other endangered fish species and we’ll be featuring more about them and their work soon, but for the time being here are a few more photos of the release day with members of the general public and local media in attendance.
You can keep up with the SEI’s news by liking their Facebook page or following them @soesic. They also have a new website coming soon so watch this space!
© Matt Ford
© Matt Ford
© Matt Ford
© Matt Ford
© Matt Ford
