FUTURE-PROSPECTS FOR THE FRESH-WATER FISH FAUNA OF THE NORTH MEDITERRANEAN REGION

The fresh waters of the north Mediterranean region possess a unique an d diverse ichthyofauna with 229 endemic fish taxa in 13 families. With diverse threats to wetlands in the area and their increasing mismanag ement many fishes are under threat and several taxa have become extinc t in recent years. Following workshop discussions among specialists, a series of proposals is now put forward which is designed to reverse t his trend. Within these proposals is the concept that clean water is d esirable for both people and fish and that acceptable compromises must be the way to shave this vital resource in the future. Managing wafer resources in the Mediterranean region is clearly going to be a key fe ature in the future development of this area and major issues midst be resolved soon to avoid serious conflicts over water use in the 21st c entury.