The Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI) was established in 1970 and its main objective is conducting fundamental and applied research for scientific support of the management of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) and other wetland areas of national and international interest, with particular focus on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Due to its expertise and contribution to the local, regional and national research and development programs, DDNI has been nominated as:

• Centre of Excellence for Deltas & Wetlands;
• National Reference Centre for Land Cover and Fisheries;
• Main Scientific Advisor of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development for the implementation of the NATURA 2000 Network in Romania;
• Centre of Technological Information for the Danube Delta of the National Authority for Scientific Research.

The relevance of DDNI’s research activities for local, regional, national and international environmental issues is sustained by the Danube Delta’s protection status and the international Conventions and Programs adopted by Romania.

Scientific research is one of the most important components of these  conventions, having been defined as one of the main functions of Biosphere Reserves by the MAB-UNESCO program. The research  activities of the Danube Delta National Institute are oriented towards achieving the management objectives of the largest protected area in Romania and Europe.

The project „Managing and restoring aquatic EcologicAl corridors for migratory fiSh species in the danUbe RivEr baSin” (MEASURES) will pave the way for the establishment of ecological corridors through identifying key habitats and initiating protective measures along the Danube and its main tributaries.

A methodology for migratory fish habitat mapping will be developed and tested. A harmonized strategy (including prioritization) for the restoration of ecological corridors will be developed and will support implementation in future management plans. Two pilot actions are envisaged: (1) identify and map key habitats, (2) restocking of two native species to conserve their genetic pool. A network for concerted restocking of targeted species will be established, as well as a manual for the operation of broodstock facilities. A MEASURES Information System will be created to facilitate access to information for experts, decision makers and the general public.

Activities which will be implemented by The Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI):

• Training on migratory fish habitat and behavior assessment;
• Identifying and mapping of migratory fish habitats on Borcea and Bala branches and in the  lower reaches of Siret, Jiu, and Mures Rivers (RO);
• Preparing draft and final versions of migratory fish habitat assessment manual.

Dr. Marian Paraschiv, Dr. Ion Grigoras, Dr. Stefan Hont and and MSc. Marian Iani is the Romanian MEASURES team from DDNI Tulcea, that will be implementing pilot activities on the Danube River and tributaries in Romania.