Sturnet Project

About the Workshop

Workshop – 7 April 2026 (Constanța Casino)

International workshop in Constanța brought together experts and institutions for sturgeon conservation in the Black Sea Basin

On 7 April 2026, the iconic Constanța Casino hosted the international workshop “Building a Transnational Network for Sturgeon Conservation in the Black Sea Basin”, organized by GeoEcoMar within the framework of the SturNet project, co-funded by the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

The event brought together representatives of the scientific community, public authorities, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, united by a common goal – to build a sustainable transnational network for the conservation of sturgeon species, among the most endangered in Europe.

The opening session highlighted the need for coordinated regional action and emphasized the role of the SturNet project as a platform for integrating knowledge, data, and good practices. During the first session, a comprehensive overview of the project was presented, including its objectives, main activities, and expected results, as well as the progress achieved so far. Particular attention was given to the innovative digital solutions being developed within the project – a dedicated website, a digital mapping tool, and a mobile application.

The scientific segment of the programme addressed key challenges related to sturgeon conservation, including population status, the impacts of climate change, and the need for integrated management approaches. Participants also presented results from genetic analyses of water samples and sturgeon species, which are essential for guiding future conservation actions.

The second part of the event focused on synergies with other European initiatives, including a dedicated session under the Horizon Europe project MARBEFES. This session highlighted the importance of linking scientific research with policy-making processes in marine environmental protection.

The afternoon stakeholder session gathered a wide range of participants and showcased good practices from the Danube and Black Sea regions. Key presentations addressed long-term efforts for sturgeon conservation in the Danube Basin, initiatives to tackle by-catch and illegal trade, and actions supporting fishing communities in developing alternative livelihoods.

Special attention was also given to climate change and its impact on biodiversity in the Danube Delta – one of Europe’s most valuable ecosystems.

The workshop concluded with a summary of key findings and a discussion on the next steps. It was clearly emphasized that effective sturgeon conservation requires long-term cooperation, data sharing, and active engagement of all stakeholders.

The Constanța workshop demonstrated strong commitment and readiness for joint action across the region. The SturNet project continues to position itself as a key platform for building this network and for transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions for the protection of some of the oldest and most vulnerable species in the Black Sea.

Field Visit and Stakeholder Dialogue – 8 April 2026

On 8 April 2026, as a follow-up to the international workshop held in Constanța, the SturNet project organized a field visit and stakeholder dialogue in Murighiol, Tulcea County, bringing together project partners, researchers, invited stakeholders, and local fishers.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss practical aspects of sturgeon conservation in a local context, with a particular focus on bycatch prevention, reporting of accidental catches, cooperation with fishing communities, and the identification of concrete joint actions for the protection of sturgeons in the Black Sea Basin and the Danube region.

Participants also had the opportunity to observe the surrounding area connected to one of the Danube branches, an important migration route for sturgeons, and to exchange views on local fishing practices, seasonal migration patterns, and the importance of coordinated regional efforts to protect these endangered species and their habitats.