Danube Delta

Introducing Danube Delta

The delta’s ecosystems have been much maligned by humans, starting with the shortening of the Sulina canal at the end of the 19th century. In the decades following, dozens of small canals were dug throughout the region in an attempt to increase fish stocks and to facilitate transport. Frenzied reed cutting during the communist period disturbed the natural filtering process that reeds have for the river as well as unbalancing the habitat for birds, fish and insects. In addition to this, dams were built, which destroyed bird nesting grounds; sections of the delta were drained for agriculture; and exotic birds were enthusiastically hunted. Sadly, human meddling has irrevocably changed the delta. Whereas in the early 1900s there were 10 to 15 million birds in the region, there are now less than half a million.

Many strides have been made in the last decade. Pollution has been reduced and reed cutting has been vastly curbed. Ecotourism is continuing to develop as tourist options become more ecofriendly.

The headquarters of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR; 240-518 945; arbdd@ddbra.ro; Str Portului 34A) is in Tulcea. The Danube Delta Research Institute (DDNI; 240-531 550; www.indd.tim.ro; Str Babadag 165), also in Tulcea, is a good source of information.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009