Aspretele, prins între beton și poluare pe râul Vâlsan. 150 de exemplare identificate în 2026

The Aspretele fish, critically endangered and endemic to Romania, is facing severe population decline due to pollution and barriers in the Vâlsan River. Recent monitoring revealed that 76% of the identified fish are concentrated in a mere 450 meters of river, highlighting a critical survival point. The upstream concrete barrier and the downstream Brădetu wastewater treatment plant are significant threats, with the latter causing chronic pollution. Despite some population recovery efforts, the overall numbers remain concerning, with only 150 individuals recorded in 2026. Conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration and a proposed sanctuary, aim to address these challenges and potentially reintroduce the species to its historical range.