Danube River Delta

"As both the largest remaining natural wetland and second largest river delta in Europe, the Danube Delta is one of the continent's most valuable habitats for wetland wildlife . . . The unique ecosystems of the Danube Delta consists of a labyrinthine network of river channels, shallow bays and hundreds of lakes. Interspersed with extensive marshes, reed-beds, islands and floodplains, it forms a valuable natural buffer zone, filtering out pollutants from the Danube River, helping to improve the status of the north-western Black Sea's vulnerable waters." Over 300 birds make their home in the Delta, including the eagle owl, Dalmatian pelican, black kite, ospreys, storks, and kingfishers, along with 45 freshwater fish from sturgeon to salmon."Ecological changes in the delta have reduced biodiversity, altered natural flow and sedimentation patterns, and diminished the ability of the delta to retain nutrients. Such changes include the creation of a network of canals through the delta for improved access and water circulation, plus a reduction in the wetland area from constructing agricultural polders and fishponds. Moreover, the most nutrient-rich waters now flow chiefly through the main canals, rather than being distributed through the wetlands and reed beds."