Scientific Director of the Danube Delta National Institute of Research and Development (INCDDD) Iulian Nichersu says climate change impact is increasing and warns that water is becoming a form of currency and will become increasingly expensive.

He brought to mind that studies conducted by specialists from the European Commission of the Danube, an international body established in 1856 in the context of the development of the Sulina maritime canal, were based on research into Danube water levels in the context of climate change. The benchmark installed by the Commission at the Old Lighthouse in Sulina still serves as a reference point at the base of the construction.

‘The impact [of climate change – ed. n.] is three times greater, and if we compare it to the droughts that occurred at the beginning of the last century, we have images from the Ukrainian Delta where the ground is literally cracked, in 1946, droughts had their impact again, but they were much more limited. Now, we are facing fires, one breaks out every few days,’ INCDDD Scientific Director Iulian Nichersu told AGERPRES.

To prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change, which are leading to the decline of fish stocks, specialists from Tulcea, in cooperation with colleagues from other countries, are currently implementing four EU-funded projects. One of these, which focuses on the rehabilitation of the Caraorman fish farming facility, a symbol of Romanian aquaculture during the communist era, is designed to be replicable in other regions.

‘Due to climate change, the spring flood no longer occurs in April-May, as we were used to, with water levels of four metres in Tulcea. Now, if we see two metres, we call it a flood. In April-May, fish reproduction would take place, and the fish could move to flooded areas to lay their eggs. At this point, that is no longer possible, precisely because of climate change,’ the INCDDD scientific director added.

In this context, Nichersu stressed the importance of water management.

‘The message to the public is: we must manage water as efficiently as possible. Water is becoming a currency and will be increasingly expensive,’ concluded Iulian Nichersu.