Ecological gradients in the Danube Delta lakes : present state and man-induced changes

Describes the present state and variation of lake ecosystems in the Delta. To compare the present state with the state prior to major human interventions. To characterise the status of the Danube Delta, as being a world heritage site and RAMSAR wetland of international importance, from an aquatic ecological point of view. An approach which is seldom applied. At the start of the study, the present state of the lakes was expected to vary from degraded to rather pristine. A classification of the variation in lake ecosystems may serve a scientific basis to identify appropriate management measures to conserve pristine regions of the Delta or restore degraded ones.