Representative Projects | Danube Delta National Institute for R&D

At Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) level, the present management plan, does not include, directly, measures for monitoring of horses and other domestic herbivores that are found in feral conditions within the strictly protected areas.



NATIONAL PROGRAMME P18

PN 18 14 03 02 Cercetări privind bolile infecțioase și parazitozele cu caracter zoonotic la animale sălbatice și domestice din Rezervația Biosferei Delta Dunării, Beneficiar : Univ de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj Napoca , DSVSA, ARBDD, UAT- Tulcea , Pardina,Murighiol ,Isaccea



VectExel

Excellency multidisciplinary “One Health” platform for the study of neglected and emerging vector-borne diseases – VectExel, Beneficiary: Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca

CONTACT

165 Babadag street, Tulcea 820112, Romania

Monday - Thursday: 8.00 - 16.30 / Friday - 8.00 - 14.00

Call Center: (+4) 0240 - 524 546 / (+4) 0240 - 524 548 / (+4) 0240 - 524 550,

Phone (Secretary Office): (+4) 0240 - 531 520

Fax: (+4) 0240 - 533 547

e-mail: office@ddni.ro

Member Area

Access your data within the intranet

AUDIENCE PROGRAM

General Director : Monday 09.⁰⁰ - 11.⁰⁰

Scientific Director: Tuesday 09.⁰⁰- 11.⁰⁰

Technical Director: Wednesday 09.⁰⁰ - 11.⁰⁰

Economic Director: Thursday 09.⁰⁰ - 11.⁰⁰

^{Registration for the audience is done by prior appointment by phone at: 0240/531520, int. 100 (secretariat) and by e-mail at: office@ddni.ro}

ABOUT US

RESOURCES

Events

Institute's Scientific Annals

Structure

Administration Council

Institutional Strategy

Announcements & Public Acquisitions

ERRIS Platform

EERTIS Platform

DDNI COVID-19 Functionality Procedure

DDNI is listed on CIESM Guide

Sampling areas (2011-2014) for biological material from wild birds (West Nile virus serological survey) in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and surroundings ((north to south, by red: Maliuc – Mila 26, Sălcioara and Grindul Lupilor; by yellow, Tulcea, Murighiol, Iazurile, Agighiol, Satu Nou, Enisala, Babadag, Vişina şi Ceamurlia)

Sampling sera samples from a Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix), Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Helgoland trap for Crow capturing, Iazurile (Tulcea county, 2012)

Project name: Biology and control of vector-borne infections in Europe – EDENext
Implementation period: 2011-2015
Total budget: 12,000,000 Euro, DDNI budget, 148,000 Euro
Financing program: 7TH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME (FP7)- FP7-HEALTH-2010-single-stage - EU RESEARCH FUNDING 2007-2013
Parteners/Leader: project leader, CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) – Montpellier – France and other 45 parteners from 22 countries and. Sub-project Leader (where Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development was involved): Pasteur Institute – Paris and sub-project partners from Romania, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Albania.

Project description: EDENext (Biology and control of vector-borne infections in Europe) project developed after the call of proposal launched by the European Commision in the 7th Framework Programme - HEALTH-2010-single-stage programme. The project proposed to investigate the biological, ecological and epidemiological components of vector borne diseases introduction, emergence and spread, and, using the knowledge acquired, propose new tools for controlling them. As vectors were not only included arthropods but also rodents and insectivores which harbour a wide range of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites), some of them being infective to humans without the intervention of arthropod vectors (e.g., Hantaviruses, Bunyaviridae). Therefore were selected for study rodents and insectivores as well as the main arthropod vector groups of human and animal diseases in Europe: hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae), mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicicae), sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae), and biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae). Each constituted “vertical” group structuring EDENext research activities. With such a vertical structure, the EDENext consortium provided expertise and useful information regarding prevention of human or animal infection, control measures for vector populations, and implementation of vector surveillance networks, for any new emerging, VBD transmitted by vector / rodent / insectivore species belonging to these groups. Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development was involved in the subproject Emergence and Spread MBD (Mosquito borne diseases). Main objectives of the Emergence and Spread MBD subproject: Assess whether winter survival of WNV-infected adult mosquitoes is significant in the epizootic cycle; seek evidence of vertical transmission during the mosquito breeding season; assess whether oral and faecal-oral infection in birds, mammals, amphibians and other fauna is a significant component of the epizootic cycle; intercept migrant passerines on their last stop before arriving on the European continent to establish seroprevalence and to screen for virus; monitor seasonal profile and host preference of reed-bed mosquitoes; assess degree of synchrony between the advancement of spring broods of mosquitoes and the arrival of migrant passerines; determine whether ectoparasites are infected in experimentally infected chickens; monitor viraemia and viral shedding in experimentally infected frogs and assess whether infections are chronic; sequence selected WNV isolates; study bionomics of Aedes albopictus and japonicus in Italy, Albania and Switzerland; develop temperature/humidity profiles of “typical” resting sites of Ae. albopictus, simulate a selection of these in an environmental cabinet and monitor rate of viral replication of Chikungunya and Dengue in Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus; determine light regime that triggers winter diapause and test insects hatching from diapausing eggs for vertical transmission. Throughout the EDENext period (2011-2014), the DDNI team collected 4,952 samples from 1,573 birds belonging to 31 species. Our efforts were focused on target groups, so most samples were collected from them: 4,544 samples (crows - 992 samples, sparrows - 2,452 samples, Acrocephalus warblers - 1,110 samples). Biological material was tested in Vienna (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Institute of Virology) and another part was sent for further testing at Brno (Institute of Vertebrate Zoology - Brno). During the project (2011-2015) we have recorded several bird species the first time in Romania found with antibodies against West Nile virus. For the first time in Romania we have investigated the direct route (non-vector) of transmission of West Nile virus. Although the results were negative, this suggests the possibility that these direct routes described above to exist in nature, but have no regular character similar to West Nile virus irregular recrudescence. We found by PCR for the first time in Europe a West Nile virus positive ectoparasite from a seropositive Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos). Ectoparasites can infect hosts but not retransmit virus to their host (host already has antibodies). Instead the ectoparasites can infect the next host in the next stage (experimental shown) which means that infected ticks on migrating birds may carry (new) pathogens to other areas much more.

- Project name: Complex epidemiological modelling of WNV-borne infections by interdisciplinary correlation using imagistic data acquired by sensor systems and drones - RPAS-WN
- Implementation period: 2014-2017
- DDNI budget: 241.984 lei
- Financing program: ANCSI – PN II - Joint Applied Research Projects - PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4 – Romanian Autorithy for Scientific research
- Parteners/Leader: project leader: Cantauzino Institute – Bucharest, Romania. Parteners: Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development –Tulcea, Romania, SC Aerocontrol UAV SRL Bucharest, Romania and “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Bucharest, Romania.

Project description: The project proposes an integrated system of objectives and activities aimed to develop a realistic model of West Nile Virus circulation, based on those factors that contribute to its maintenance and amplification and determine the transfer of the virus to the human population during epidemics. The components of the integrated system of objectives:

1. Obtaining an experimental imagistic model of the sites of epidemiological interest from the study areas. Areas and sites representative in terms of vertebrates and culicid species diversity and of WNV circulation will be established for the two study areas (Bucharest and the Danube Delta). The preliminary model will be achieved by integrating the satellite images of the areas and of the descriptive data (zoological, entomological, epidemiological and geographical) in a geographic information system (GIS).
2. Determining the seasonal feeding pattern behavior of the vectors in relation to the relative abundance and the diversity of the vertebrate hosts and the influence of this behavior in maintaining and increasing West Nile Virus circulation. The spatial distribution and the seasonal dynamics of culicid species and of vertebrate species (especially birds and mammals) will be tracked in the study areas and the freshly blood-fed culicids will be captured in order to determine the host (the blood source). This will enable to capture the existence of a possible 'shift' in the seasonal feeding behavior of the vectors and its determinant factors.
3. Quantifying the seasonal intensity of West Nile Virus circulation in the study areas in conjunction with the dynamics of the environment. The estimation of the intensity of viral circulation will be done by assessing the seroconversion rate in control batches of sentinel birds that will be tested twice a month in order to detect the presence of anti-West Nile IgM and IgG antibodies and by calculating the Minimum Infection Rate (RMI) of the captured culicids. The values of the seroconversion in batches of sentinel birds and the MIR will be analyzed together, establishing a matrix algorithm of quantification of the intensity of the seasonal viral circulation in the different sites of the investigated areas.
4. Determining the manner and the degree of influence of environmental factors on vector-host interactions. The climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall) will be monitored with portable weather stations, two consecutive seasons, to assess their influence not only on the dynamics of the vectors - hosts interactions but also on the viral circulation.
5. Identifying the factors or the combination of factors with a determining role in amplifying the viral circulation by computerized analysis of the obtained data.The comparative analysis of the data collected from those sites where the viral circulation will be highlighted and quantified will lead to the identification of the common parameters of these areas making possible the identification of the factors or the combination of factors which contribute to the maintenance and the amplification of the viral circulation in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems.
6. Functional modelling of the West Nile Virus circulation and of the factors involved in its maintenance and amplification in the investigated areas.
Scientific and technical challenges of the project are represented by: The acquisition of the georeferenced imagistic data of the study area; The identification of the vertebrate species on aerial images obtained in visible spectrum; The development of a shape recognition pattern, used to identify the vertebrate species on aerial thermal images; The tessellation of the altitudinal georeferenced images in order to achieve overall layers consistent with GIS analysis; The development of quantification algorithms of the intensity of viral circulation. Although the use of drones for civilian purposes has begun to grow, obtaining imagistic georeferenced data to assess epidemiological mechanisms is a completely new approach. The results of this project obtained by using these innovative technologies will bring forth more knowledge through an overall understanding of the mechanisms which contribute to the outbreak of WNV epidemics. Establishing the feeding preferences of vectors is a common activity currently used in the studies of medical entomology conducted on vector-borne diseases. Classical methods used to determine these preferences may consist either in using traps with vertebrate hosts as attractants (birds, mammals) or in capturing fed mosquitoes and making the molecular analysis of the ingested blood. The results of the project concerning the analysis of the vector feeding preferences will be more comprehensive, because they will consist in correlating the results of the molecular analysis to the diversity and abundance of the available vertebrate hosts. This will be possible by processing the imagistic and video data captured by drones that will fly over the study areas at regular intervals, being equipped with optical cameras (during the day) and thermal cameras (during the night). Also, the tessellation of the image sets obtained in the visible spectrum and infrared will contribute to producing informational maps of the vectors and warm-blooded animals’ distribution correlated with the temperature profile and the general appearance of the habitat. These results will contribute significantly to the state of knowledge of the bio ecology of the possible vectors and vertebrate animals involved in WNV circulation. Quantifying the viral circulation in the different studied areas will make possible the identification of the areas and the conditions favorable to this circulation (identification of the viral outbreaks). All these results are in line and lead to the achievement of the project aim, carrying a significant contribution to the current state of knowledge of the epidemiology of the infections caused by West Nile virus.

Project name: AMSAR: Arbovirus Monitoring, SurveillAnce and Research - capacity building on mosquitoes and biting midges –
Implementation period: 2015-2017
DDNI budget: 25.439 Euro
Financing program: SCOPES 2013-2016 (Scientific Co-operation between Eastern Europe and Switzerland) – InstitutionalPartnership (IP) - Competition 2014
Parteners/Leader: project leader: Institute of Parasitology – University of Zurich – Switzerland. Parteners: Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development – Tulcea, Romania; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine – Iași, Romania; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - University of Belgrade, Serbia; Laboratory of Parasitology - Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia.

Project description. AMSAR (Arbovirus Monitoring, SurveillAnce and Research - capacity building on mosquitoes and biting midges) is an institutional partnership (IP) with multiple tasks aimed at building of scientific capacity in research on vectors and vector-borne diseases in Serbia and Romania. Vector-borne pathogens such as the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV), and the biting midge-borne Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and Bluetongue virus (BTV) cause major economic loses in endemic countries. WNV also represents a potential danger to human health as it is a zoonosis. Serbia and Romania have encountered increasing occurrence of vector-borne diseases in past years, and the emergence of vector-borne diseases which were not previously present in the climate area of the Balkans and South Eastern Europe can be expected in the future. Core goals of the proposed IP are (1) to improve research and teaching capacities on vector-borne pathogens in Serbia and Romania, (2) to provide vital support and skills to young researchers and (3) to establish strong scientific ties and networks between Switzerland, Serbia and Romania. Primarily, the IP is orientated towards enabling independent work of young scientists from the Republic of Serbia and Romania in the field of vector-borne pathogens and the vectors which transmit them. The second important role of the AMSAR project is to build sustainable scientific connections for scientists from this field with neighbouring countries and Europe in order to make strong and lasting relations in the context of these transboundary vector-borne diseases. The third role is to provide young scientist the opportunity to improve and share knowledge and skills and to make themselves a part of a multidisciplinary team that it is extremely important for monitoring, surveillance and research of the natural foci and dynamics of vectors and vector-borne infections. Furthermore, in the context of a “one health” approach, this IP will bring together scientists in the combat against diseases causing health problems in animals and humans and causing economic losses. The proposed IP is using an innovative multiplying approach for achieving its goals. Two young scientists from each partner country will be trained in state of the art research methods at the National Reference Center for Vector Entomology in Zürich, Switzerland. Afterwards, they will act together with the Swiss team as trainers at altogether three application-oriented summer schools in Serbia and Romania to train themselves a large number of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists in the relevant methods. For all trainings and summer schools, strong attention will be given to an equal gender distribution and on the promotion of young scientists.

Project name: PN 16 28 03 04 The effect of natural grazing on natural phytocenosis from Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and on animal and human health
Implementation period: 2016-2017
Total budget: 526.968 lei
Financing program: Programul Nucleu - ANCSI
Parteners/Leader: Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development – Tulcea

Project description. At Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) level, the present management plan, does not include, directly, measures for monitoring of horses and other domestic herbivores that are found in feral conditions within the strictly protected areas. Although they have a negative impact in many directions, as follows: changing the vegetation cover, favorizing the invasive plants and parasitic diseases spreading. In this manner, the change of natural habitats, in relation with parasitosis and their control, is a serious issue that involves the human population and other population such as birds and mammals from lagoon area of Dobrogea. In this project frame, there is carried out the monitoring of flora from certain DDBR regions, in relation with number of domestic animals that are found in the wilderness. Thus, the project brings on new information about the future measures elaborated for the actual system of animal breeding in the wilderness. The elaboration of a measures plan that refers to rehabilitation, conservation and regeneration of flora in relation with natural pastures capacity support. Another proposed target is the identification of the plants with possible anti-parasitic effect by testing their extract within University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FMV) from Cluj-Napoca, respectively Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Pharmacovigilance Lab. This collaboration opens new way of research in pharmacology, furthermore in hypothesis approaches described but unconfirmed in relation with impact on animal species from certain areas of DDBR. (Letea Forest and Caraorman Forest). The in vitro testing of parasites extracts with high interest for human and animal health. By means of objectives mentioned in the project, the study involves the enhancing of positive and negative effects on natural gazing in concern with plant diversity. There will be elaborated a measures plan for grazing management on pastures and their support capacity for grazing and animals found in certain regions of DDBR. The development of this project will sustain the future research approaches on therapy and anti-parasitic physiotherapy on animals found in the wilderness.

Department: MANAGEMENT | GENERAL DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER

Expertise: Ecological Reconstruction, Habitats

Team: Management

Contact:

Email: office@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 101

Principal researcher, licensed in Ecology and also PhD at “Ovidius” University from Constanta – Environmental Scienes faculty focusing onEnvironment Protection – Ecology. Had participated in over 15 specialized courses both national and international, coordinated over 14 national and international projects, published 19 ISI articles, one patent, published 14 papers at various acknowledged scientific events national and international, a book and 8 book chapters.

Departament: DEZVOLTARE TEHNOLOGICA, TRANSFER TEHNOLOGIC SI PLANIFICARE SPATIALA

Expertiza: Desen Tehnic, Proiectare, Incarcare Baze de Date

Echipa: Dezvoltare Tehnologica, Transfer Tehnologic si Planificare Spatiala

Contact:

Email: mihaela.nichifor@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 167

Mihaela Nichifor este Tehnician Proiectant in cadrul Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare „Delta Dunarii” din anul 1991 cu urmatoarele atributii: executarea lucrarilor de birou in domeniul proiectarii; fotointerpretare; gestiune si arhivare proiecte; activitate de secretariat; sarcivi cu caracter administrativ; documentare si colectare de date; verificarea calitatii documentelor, actelor si a materialelor studiilor de proiectare.

Department: TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, TRANSFER AND SPATIAL PLANNING

Expertise: Technician, Drawing Design, Database Loading

Team: Technological Development, Treansfer and Spatial Planning

Contact:

Email: mihaela.nichifor@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 167

Mihaela Nichifor is a Research and Development Technician in “Danube Delta” National Institute since 1991 and the main attributions are: implementation of development projects; photointerpretation; administration and project archiving; secretatial activities; administrative tasks; documentation and data collection; quality check.

Departament: DEZVOLTARE TEHNOLOGICA, TRANSFER TEHNOLOGIC SI PLANIFICARE SPATIALA

Expertiza: Modelare Hidraulica 1D2D, GIS

Echipa: Dezvoltare Tehnologica, Transfer Tehnologic si Planificare Spatiala

Contact:

Email: adrian.constantinescu@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 134

Constantinescu Adrian Cornel este inginer IDT I cu specializare in modelare hidrologica si GIS. Are o experienta de 20 ani in modelare hidrologica utilizand softul specializat Sobek Rural 1D2D si 25 de ani in procesare GIS. Principalele realizari pe partea de modelare hidrologica sunt legate de participarea la proiecte FP si nationale:

– “ Centre of Excellence – DELWET” prin modelul hidraulic al Deltei Dunarii (inceput in 1997 si actualizat permanent) pentru care a primit Diploma Sesiunii Stiintifice Romane 2000 pentru „Modelul hidrologic al Deltei Dunarii”,

– FP5 “Nutrient Management in the Danube Basin and its Impact on the Black Sea – DANUBS”, prin modelul hidrochimic la Deltei Dunarii,

– “Redimensionarea ecologica a luncii Dunarii – REELD”, 2008 prin realizarea modelului hidraulic al Dunarii de la Gruia la marea Neagra,

– SEE- INTERREG IV B “STAKEHOLDER ORIENTED FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE DANUBE FLOODPLAINS (“DANUBE FLOODRISK”), 2009-2012 prin realizarea hartilor de hazard si risc la inundatii in lunca Dunarii de la Gruia la Marea Neagra,

– POS Mediu “Elaborarea unui suport cartografic digital de rezoluţie înaltă necesar implementării planurilor, strategiilor şi a schemelor de management în Rezervaţia Biosferei Delta Dunării” 2009-2012 prin modelul hidraulic al Deltei Dunarii si scenarii de renaturare,

– “MARS” project (Managing Aquatic ecosystems and water Resources under multiple Stress) funded under the 7th EU Framework Programme, prin modelarea lacurilor din Delta Dunarii utilizand Aquatox.

Principalele realizari pe partea GIS sunt legate de participarea la proiecte FP si nationale:

– Harti tematice ale Deltei Dunarii (vegetatie, sol, inundabilitate) pentru care a primit Nederlandse Vereninging voor Kartografie Technical Cartography Award 1994 for Danube Delta soil map,

– Phare-Ro “Establishment of an information system and a database for water management field according to the requirements of the water framework directive” 2008 prin harta retelei hidrografice a Romaniei si a statiilor de tratare/epurare a apei,

– PN II “Inventarierea pajistilor naturale cu biodiversitate ridicata din Romania in vederea fundamentarii stiintifice a masurilor de management pentru conservarea acestora-NARDUS” 2007-2010, prin procesarea GIS a hartilor,

– PN II „Harta Micropotenţialului Hidroenergetic al României – abordări complexe tehnico-economice HARMIH-RO” 2008-2010 pentru hartile hidrografice ale debitelor raurilor din Romania,

– Corine Land Cover (1995, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018),

– A black Sea network promoting integrated natural Wastewater treatment systems – “WASTE-net” (Retea pentru Marea Neagra de promovare a sistemelor integrate de tratare naturala a apelor uzate), 2013-2015 pentru identificarea/evaluare potentialului utilizarii procedeelor naturale de epurare a apelor menajere ale localitatilor din Romania cu o populatie sub 2000 de locuitori,

– Program Nucleu 2016-2020 Elaborarea hărților de risc și hazard la inundații pentru localitățile din Delta Dunării.

Department: TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, TRANSFER AND SPATIAL PLANNING

Expertise: 1D2D Hydraulic Modeling, GIS

Team: Technological Development, Treansfer and Spatial Planning

Contact:

Email: adrian.constantinescu@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 134

Adrian Constantinescu Cornel is an engineer specializing in hydrological modeling and GIS. He has 20 years of experience in hydrological modeling using specialized software Rural 1D2D Sobek and 25 years in GIS processing. The main achievements on the hydrological modeling are related to participation in FP and national projects:

– “Centre of Excellence – DELWET” by hydraulic model of the Danube Delta (beginning in 1997 and constantly updated) for which she received Diploma Romanian Scientific Session 2000 “hydrological model of the Danube Delta”

– FP5 “Nutrient Management in the Danube Basin and Its Impact on the Black Sea – DANUBS” by hydro chemical model in the Danube Delta

– “Resize ecological floodplain Danube – REELD” in 2008 by conducting hydraulic model of the Danube from the Black Sea Gruia,

– SEE INTERREG IVB “stakeholder FLOOD RISK ORIENTED ASSESSMENT FOR THE DANUBE FLOODPLAINS (” DANUBE FLOODRISK “), from 2009 to 2012 by making hazard maps and flood risk in the Danube Floodplain Gruia Black Sea

– SOP “Developing a high-resolution digital cartographic support needed to implement the plans, strategies and management schemes in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve” 2009-2012, by hydraulic model of the Danube Delta and scenarios of renaturation

– “MARS” project (Managing Aquatic Resources under multiple ecosystems and water stress) Funded under the EU 7th Framework Program, by modeling using Aquatox Delta lakes.

GIS on the main achievements are related to participation in FP and national projects:

– Thematic Maps of the Danube Delta (vegetation, soil, flooding) for which he received voor Nederlandse Vereninging KARTOGRAFIA 1994 Award for Technical Cartography Danube Delta soil map,

– Phare-Ro “Establishment of year and the database information system for water management field According to the Requirements of the Water Framework Directive” 2008, by hydrographic network map of Romania and potable water treatment / water treatment,

– PN II “Inventory of natural grasslands with high biodiversity in Romania in order to substantiate scientific management measures for their conservation-Nardus” 2007-2010 by processing GIS maps,

– PN II “Hydropower Potential Map of Romania – complex technical and economic approach HARMIH-E” hydrographic maps 2008-2010 for the flow of rivers in Romania,

– Corine Land Cover (1995, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018),

– Promoting integrated network A Black Sea natural Wastewater treatment systems – “WASTE-net” (Network for the Black Sea to promote integrated systems for natural treatment of wastewater) from 2013 to 2015 for identifying / evaluating the potential use of natural water treatment processes household of localities in Romania with a population under 2,000 inhabitants,

– National Program 2016-2020 Develop risk maps and flood hazard to localities in the Danube Delta.

Departament: CENTRUL DE INFORMARE TEHNOLOGICA „DELTA DUNARII”

Expertiza: Monitorizarea şi managementul mediului, Turism, Informare si Transfer Tehnologic, Organizare Evenimente Stiintifice

Echipa: CENTRUL DE INFORMARE TEHNOLOGICA „DELTA DUNARII”

Contact:

Email: edward.bratfanof@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 126

Edward Bratfanof - Facultatea de Silvicultură și Exploatări Forestiere, Universitatea Transilvania din Brașov (5 ani), licențiat în: Ingineria Mediului (1995). Un alt Master în Management și Monitorizare a Mediului (2016), Universitatea „Dunărea de Jos” din Galați. Doctorand în Inginerie Industrială - Universitatea „Dunărea de Jos” din Galați, intitulată „Studii privind impactul antropic asupra sturionilor la nivelul brațului Chilia din RBDD”. Coordonează activitățile specifice departamentului CIT DD din 2014, a elaborat Strategia de dezvoltare și Planul de afaceri al DD TIC. Obiective principale: Crearea unui pol de competitivitate și inovare în regiunea Dobrogea și promovarea sustenabilității în Delta Dunării, pentru care a contribuit la înființarea clusterului 3D Edaphic-BLOOM Dunărea. A fost implicat în numeroase proiecte precum: WETECOS, TARCHS, Restoration-DD Restoration of Sontea - Fortuna Wetland Ecosystems, Creating Interfaces - Belmont, Danubius RI - Support Project, Flood-Serv, Lucas, RAIN Solutions, ResponSEAble - Ocean Literacy, SCENT , Danurb+, Anadrom, BlueNIGHTs, EDAPHIC -BLOOM Dunărea, EcoDALLi, DaWetRest, Restore4Life și altele. Organizează numeroase evenimente științifice internaționale, naționale sau regionale, precum: Simpozionul Internațional „Deltas & Wetlands”, „Dialogii cu părțile interesate privind strategiile de dezvoltare durabilă: lecții, oportunități, studii de caz - 4 DELTA”.

Department: DANUBE DELTA TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION CENTER

Expertise: Environmental Management and Monitoring, Tourism, Technological Transfer and Information, Organizing Scientific Events

Team: DANUBE DELTA TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION CENTER

Contact:

Email: edward.bratfanof@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 126

Edward Bratfanof - Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov (5 years), licensed in: Environmental Engineering (1995). Another Master in Environmental Management and Monitoring (2016), "Lower Danube" University of Galati. PhD student in Industrial Engineering - "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galati, entitled "Studies on the anthropogenic impact on sturgeons in the Chilia arm of the DDBR". He coordinates the specific activities of the DD TIC department since 2014, elaborated the Development Strategy and the Business Plan of the DD TIC. Main objectives: Creating a pole of competitiveness and innovation in the Dobrogea region and promoting sustainability in the Danube Delta, for which he contributed to the establishment of the 3D Edaphic-BLOOM Danube cluster. He was involved in numerous projects such as : WETECOS, TARCHS, Restoration-DD Restoration of Sontea - Fortuna Wetland Ecosystems, Creating Interfaces - Belmont, Danubius RI - Support Project, Flood-Serv, Lucas, RAIN Solutions, ResponSEAble - Ocean Literacy, SCENT, Danurb+, Anadrom, BlueNIGHTs, EDAPHIC -BLOOM Danube, EcoDALLi, DaWetRest, Restore4Life and others. He organizes many international, national or regional scientific events, such as: "Deltas & Wetlands" International Symposium, "Stakeholder dialogues regarding sustainable development strategies: lessons, opportunities, case studies - 4 DELTA".

Department: LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH BASES

Expertise: Aquatic Ecology, Zooplankton

Team: Hyrdobiology Laboratory

Contact:

Email: iasemin.suliman@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 161

Iasemin Suliman, graduated from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences “Ovidius” University of Constanța, in 2008.
In 2010 she graduate a Master degree in Management of Environmental Impacts. Since 2017 has been working at the "Danube Delta" National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea as Research Assistant.
Currently she is scientific researcher in the team of the Hydrobiology Laboratory and PhD student at Doctoral School of Applied Sciences, “Ovidius” University of Constanța, She is involved in various projects that aim to evaluate the quality of aquatic ecosystems.
The main responsability being the study and characterization of zooplankton communities from the aquatic ecosystems of the Danube Delta.

Departament: LABORATOARE SI BAZE DE CERCETARE

Expertiza: Chimia Mediului, Geochimie si Biotehnologie

Echipa: Laboratorul de Chimie

Contact:

Email: cristina.despina@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 136

Cercetător în cadrul INCDDD, Tulcea, Romania, doctor în Știința Materialelor din anul 2010, cu experiență în chimia mediului, impactul factorilor de mediu asupra prezenței micropoluanților organic și anorganici în ecosistemele acvatice, experiență în spectrometria de masă cu plasmă cuplată inductiv, gazcromatografie cu spectrometrie de masă, spectroscopie moleculară în UVVIS, absorbţie atomică cu vapori reci (CVAAS). A fost colaborator în numeroase proiecte naționale și internaționale și este autorul mai multor publicații în reviste cotate ISI (9), reviste indexate în baze de date internaționale (3) și coautor al unui capitol de carte.

Departament: LABORATOARE SI BAZE DE CERCETARE

Expertiza: Chimia Mediului si Geochimie

Echipa: Laboratorul de Chimie

Contact:

Email: liliana.teodorof@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 186

Cercetător științific în cadrul INCDDD Tulcea și coordonatorul Departamentului Laboratoare și Baze de Cercetare. Este Licențiată în Chimie (Facultatea de chimie din cadrul Universității București, 1991) și Doctor în Chimie (Facultatea de chimie din cadrul Universității București, 2009). Are o vastă experiență în spectrometria de masă cu plasmă cuplată inductiv, gaz cromatografie/ spectrometrie de masă, spectroscopie moleculară în UVVIS, absorbţie atomică cu vapori reci și cu flacără, spectrometrie în infraroșu. Are o experiență de peste 26 de ani în evaluarea, acumularea și transferul poluanților în sistemul aer-apă de suprafață-sol/sedimente-floră și fauna terestră/acvatică, dezvoltare durabilă, evaluarea impactului de mediu. Este coautor la 6 cărți și la 4 capitole de carți, din care 2 ca prim autor. A publicat 13 articole publicate în reviste cotate ISI din care 6 ca prim autor, 1 articol în extenso într-o revistă indexată ISI, 8 articole extenso publicate în reviste indexate în baze de date internaţionale (BDI). A coordonat 8 proiecte/contracte naționale. Este membru B.EN.A– Balkan Environmental Association și membru I.A.D. – International Association of Danube River Research, Viena, Austria. A fost profesor asociat al Universității École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse (2002, 2004) și profesor asociat la Masterul Dezvoltare Durabilă și Protecția Biodiversității al Universității Tehnice de la Cluj.

Department: LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH BASES

Expertise: Environmental Chemistry, Geo-Chemistry

Team: Chemistry Laboratory

Contact:

Email: liliana.teodorof@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 186

Research Scientist at DDNI Tulcea and the head of the Laboratories and Research Facilities Department. Has a degree in Chemistry (Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 1991) and the scientific title of Doctor in Chemistry (Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 2009). She has extensive experience in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography / mass spectrometry, UV-VIS molecular spectroscopy, atomic absorption with cold vapor and flames, infrared spectrometry. Her experience spans over 26 years in evaluation, accumulation and transfer of pollutants in systems such as air – surface-water – soil / sediments-flora and aquatic/terrestrial fauna, sustainable development, environmental impact assessment. Is co-author of 6 books and 4 book chapters. Has published 13 articles in ISI journals with impact factor, out of which 6 as first author, an article in extenso in an ISI indexed journal and 8 articles in IDB indexed journals. Has been the coordinator of 8 national research projects. Is a member of Balkan Environmental Association (B.E.N.A) and International Association of Danube River Research (I.A.D), Vienna, Austria. Was an associate professor at the School of Agricultural and Life Sciences of Toulouse, France (2002, 2004) and associate professor in the Master of Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Protection at the Technical University of Cluj.

Departament: CONSERVAREA BIODIVERSITATII SI UTILIZAREA DURABILA A RESURSELOR NATURALE

Expertiza: Ornitologie, Resurse Cinegetice, Zoonoze (în care sunt implicate păsările și mamiferele), Ecologie, Mamalogie, Natura 2000, studii de impact asupra mediului

Contact:

Email: mihai.marinov@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 157

Dr. Mihai Marinov (specialist în ornitologie, ecologie, zoonoze în care sunt implicate păsările și mamiferele, ecologie și Natura 2000) a terminat facultatea de Ecologie, în profilul de Biologice cu specializarea Ecologie, în anul 2002. În anul 2012 a susținut public teza de doctorat cu titlul ”Ornitofauna Rezervației Biosferei Delta Dunării și implicația acesteia în transmiterea virusului West Nile”, la București în cadrul Universității din București, în urma căreia obține titlul de doctor în Biologie. Lucrează în cadrul Institutului Național Delta Dunării din anul 2003, inițial în Departamentul de Biodiversitate (echipele de ornitologie și resurse cinegetice) iar din anul 2016 conduce Departamentul Centrul pentru Studiul Bolilor Transfrontaliere, Emergente si Zoonozelor. Principalele sale interese de cercetare sunt ecologia ornitofaunei din România, zoonozele în care sunt implicate păsările și mamiferele din Delta Dunării, resursele cinegetice și implementarea Rețelei Natura 2000 în România. Din perspectiva Departamentului pe care îl conduce, din anul 2005 și până în prezent cercetează ecologia virusului West Nile în colaborare cu Instituții din România, Franța, Austria, Spania, Italia, Republica Cehă, Marea Britanie și Ungaria (proiecte precum EDEN – FP6, EDENext – FP7, ROVETNILE – Biotech). Din perspectiva cercetării virusului West Nile, pe lângă investigații asupra speciilor rezervor și a vectorilor se ocupă și de realizarea de modele de prognozare a infecțiilor cu virusul studiat. Împreună cu colaboratorii a identificat speciile de păsări implicate în transmiterea virusului West Nile respectiv a identificat pentru prima dată în Europa prezența virusului West Nile într-o specie de Ixodidae. Actualmente, împreună cu instituții partenere din România lucrează la modelarea epidemiologie virusului West Nile prin monitorizare cu ajutorul dronelor (proiectul WNV-RPAS – PN II) respective instruiește doctoranzi din România și Serbia în domeniul tehnicilor de recoltare de material biologic și ecologia agenților patogeni din zone umede (proiectul AMSAR – SCOPE finanțare elvețiană). Pe lângă studiul virusului West Nile sunt realizate sau vizate studii, cercetări și proiecte cu privire la Pesta Porcină Africană, Boala Carre, Hepatita E, Gripa Aviară, Trichineloza, Encefalita de căpuşă, Febra hemoragică Crimeea-Congo, Febra hemoragică Dengue, Febra hemoragică Chikungunya ș.a.

Department: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Expertise: Ornithology, Game Resources, Zoonosys (in which are involved birds and mammals), Ecology, Mammalogy, Natura 2000, Environmental Impact Assessment

Contact:

Email: mihai.marinov@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 157

PhD Mihai Marinov (specialist in ornithology, ecology, zoonosys in which are involved birds and mammals, ecology, mammalogy) has graduated in 2002 Faculty of Biology, Biology profile, Ecology Specialization. In 2012 he defended his PhD thesis entitled “The ornithofauna of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its implication in the transmission of West Nile virus” at the University of Bucharest, after which obtained a PhD in Biology. He is working in the Danube Delta National Institute since 2003, initially in the Department of Biodiversity (Irnithology and Hunting and Game species teams) and from 2016 leads the Centre for the study of transborder and emergent diseases and zoonosys. His main research interests are ecology of birds, zoonosys involving birds and mammals in the Danube Delta, wildlife resources and implementation of the Natura 2000 Network in Romania. From the perspective of the Department he leads, since 2005 until now, he investigates the ecology of West Nile virus in co-operation with institutions from Romania, France, Austria, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Great Britain and Hungary (projects such as EDEN – FP6, EDENext – FP7, ROVETNILE – Biotech). From the perspective of West Nile virus research, in addition to investigations of reservoir and vector species, he deals with making forecasting models of infections with the studied virus. Together with collaborators he identified the bird species most involved in the transmission of West Nile virus, respectively, identifying for the first time in Europe the presence of West Nile virus in a species of Ixodidae. Currently, together with partner institutions in Romania he is working on modelling the epidemiology of West Nile virus by monitoring using drones (project WNV-PSUR – PN II), respectively, he trains PhD students from Romania and Serbia in techniques for harvesting biological material and ecology of pathogens in wet areas (AMSAR project – Swiss finance SCOPE). Besides the study of West Nile virus are conducted or targeted studies, research and projects on the African swine fever, distemper, hepatitis E, Avian Influenza, trichinosis, Tick borne encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever Crimean-Congo, haemorrhagic fever Dengue, hemorrhagic fever Chikungunya etc.

Departament: SISTEM INFORMATIONAL SI GEOMATICA

Expertiza: Sisteme Informationale Geografice si Teledetectie

Echipa: SISTEM INFORMATIONAL SI GEOMATICA

Contact:

Email: ion.grigoras@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 142

Dr. Ion Grigoras este cercetător ştiinţific gradul I şi coordonatorul Departamentului Sistem Informațional și Geomatică din cadrul INCDDD. Are expertiză în: baze de date, GIS și teledetecție, aplicaţii web aplicate pentru mediu. Are 33 de ani de experiență în domeniul IT, din care 26 a colaborat cu biologi pentru structurarea informației de mediu, în combinație cu alte date spațiale, inclusiv ortofoto și imagini satelitare. A participat ca expert GIS / teledetecție în proiecte de mediu localizate în Ucraina, Federația Rusă și Africa de Vest (1999-2005, 2016-2017) și a făcut parte din echipa care a coordonat Corine Land Cover 2000, 2006, 2012 pentru România. A fost coordonator al proiectelor care a realizat rețeaua Natura 2000 în România (2005-2012) si a proiectat prima versiune a bazei de date web pentru rețeaua Natura 2000.

Department: INFORMATIC SYSTEM AND GEOMATICS

Expertise: Geographical Informational Systems and Remote Sensing

Team: INFORMATIONAL SYSTEM AND GEOMATICS

Contact:

Email: ion.grigoras@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 142

Dr. Grigoras Ion is senior researcher and head of Geomatics and Information Systems department at Danube Delta National Institute. Main expertise in: databases, GIS and remote sensing, web application applied in environment. He has 34 years experience in IT from which 26 working with biologists, structuring environment information in combination with other spatial data including LIDAR, orthophoto and satellite images. Was GIS / remote sensing expert in environmental projects located in Ukraine, Russian Federation and West Africa (1999-2005, 2016-2017) and in the team that coordinate the Corine Land Cover 2000, 2006, 2012 for Romania. He was coordinator of projects that set up Natura2000 network in Romania (2005-2016) and had designed the web Natura 2000 database.

Departament: RESTAURARE ECOLOGICĂ ŞI REDRESARE SPECII

Expertiza: Teledetecție, Fotointerpretare, Reconstrucție ecologică

Echipa: Grupul de Cercetare Restaurare Ecologică

Contact:

Email: jenica.hanganu@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 143

Jenică HANGANU, născut în 1956. Cercetător Științific Gr. I. Din anul 1984 lucrează la Institutul Național de Cercetare – Dezvoltare Delta Dunării, Tulcea, România. Principalele activități au fost cele de cartare a vegetației și solurilor, cartografierea și gestionarea ecosistemelor stuficole din Delta Dunării, teledetecție și fotointerpretare. A contribuit la elaborarea hărții solurilor din Delta Dunării si la producția hărților de vegetație din Delta Dunării. Proiectele Comisiei Europene pe care le-a coordonat sunt: EUREED II, REBECCA, EnviroGRIDS, Helm, MARS precum si proiecte nationale ale Agenției Europene de Mediu: CORINE Land Cover 2000, 2006, 2012 și NARDUS care a avut ca obiectiv inventarierea pajiștilor semi-naturale din România.

Department: ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AND SPECIES RECOVERY

Expertise: Remote Sensing, Photo Interpretation, Ecological Reconstruction

Team: Ecological restoration Research Group

Contact:

Email: jenica.hanganu@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 int.: 143

Jenică HANGANU, born in 1956. Senior scientist. Since 1984 he has been working for the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea, Romania. The main activities were focus on vegetation and soil survey and mapping, management of the Phragmites ecosystems in the Danube Delta, remote sensing and photo interpretation. He has contributed in the elaboration of the Danube Delta soil map and initiate and coordinate production of the Danube Delta vegetation maps. He was local coordinator of several EC projects: EUREED II – Dynamic and stability of the Phragmites Ecosystems – REBECCA, EnviroGRIDS, HELM and MARS. He has lead the national research project NARDUS dealing with inventory of semi-natural grasslands in Romania and was national coordinator of the CORINE Land Cover 2000, 2006 and CLC 2012 GMES / Copernicus Initial Operations (GIO) land monitoring 2011-2013 in the framework of regulation (EU) No 911/2010 – pan-European component EEA projects).

Departament: DEPARTAMENTUL CONSERVARE A BIODIVERSITĂŢII ŞI UTILIZARE DURABILĂ A RESURSELOR NATURALE

Expertiza: Pescării Ape Interioare, Evaluarea Stocurilor Peștilor de Apă Dulce, Ihtiologie, Pești Migratori, Resurse Naturale Acvatice, Ecologie Acvatică

Contacte:

Email: ion.navodaru@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 interior: 163

Dr. Ion NĂVODARU este cercetător principal în cadrul departamentului Conservarea Biodiversității și Utilizarea Durabilă a Resurselor Naturale și liderul echipei de cercetare a Utilizării Durabile a Resurselor Naturale din Institutul Național de Cercetare – Dezvoltare Delta Dunării. El are 35 de ani de experiență în domeniul cercetării pescăriilor interioare de apă dulce, a publicat o carte, 14 capitole de carte, 86 de lucrări științifice și a prezentat mai mult de 100 de lucrări științifice. Actual, coordonează Programul National NUCLEU „Delta Dunării”, proiectului H2020 CERES – Schimbările Climatice și Resursele Acvatice Europene, de asemenea colaborează în proiectul H2020 denumit AQUACROSS- ”Cunoștințe, Evaluare și Management pentru Biodiversitatea Acvatică și Serviciile Ecosistemelor în acord cu politicile UE” și este membru în Comitetul de Management al Acțiuni COST CA15219 ”DNAqua-net „Dezvoltarea de noi instrumente pentru Bioassessment genetice a ecosistemelor acvatice din Europa”. De asemenea a fost responsabilul ca și partener la diferite proiecte finanțate de UE precum: PC6 (GEM-CON-BIO), PC7 (TESS), COST UE (CA635 INTERCAFE) și BSB – JOP pentru Marea Neagră în proiectul ”Black Sea e-Eye”. De-a lungul carierei a fost lider de pentru 22 proiecte naționale și colaborator în alte 14 proiecte. Ion este membru al Consiliului Consultativ Științific al Sectorului Pescăresc din Romania și membru a mai multor organizații profesionale internaționale, cum ar fi Fundația Ihtiologilor Europeni, Fundația Scrumbiilor, Societatea Eurosturio, Grupul European de Utilizarea Durabilă a IUCN. Ocazional a făcut revizuiri de manuscrise pentru reviste științifice, cum ar Fisheries Management and Ecology, Folia Zoologica, Cybium, Journal of Fish Biology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, and Society and Natural Resources.

Department: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES - Natural resources

Expertise: Inland Fishery, Fish Stock Assessment, Ichthyology, Migratory Fish Shad and Sturgeons, Aquatic Natural Resources, Aquatic Ecology

Team:

Contacts:

Email: ion.navodaru@ddni.ro

Tel.: +40240/524550 interior: 163

Dr. Ion NĂVODARU is a senior scientist, part of Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources department and leader of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources team at Danube Delta National Institute for Research & Development. He has 35 years of experience in inland fisheries research, published one book, 14 book-chapters, 86 scientific papers and presented more than 100 scientific works. Actually has leading National Progarmm NUCLEUS ”Danube Delta” and H2020 project CERES - Climate change and European aquatic RESources, but also collaborates in other H2020 project named AQUACROSS- ”Knowledge, Assessment and Management for AQUAtic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services aCROSS EU policies” and is member on Management Committee of EU COST Action CA15219 DNAqua-Net ”Developing new genetic tools for bioassessment of aquatic ecosystems in Europe”. He was also lead partner of various EU projects: FP6 (GEM-CON-BIO), FP7 (TESS), and EU COST (CA635 INTERCAFE) and BSB – JOP, Black Sea e-Eye project. Along his carrier has leading 22 and collaborate in 14 national projects. He is a member of the Romanian Scientific Advisory Council of Fisheries Sector and of several international professional organisations, such as the European Ichthyologycal Society, Shad Foundation, Eurosturio, European Sustainable Use Group of IUCN. Ion occasionally reviews scientific manuscripts for journals, such as Fisheries Management and Ecology, Folia Zoologica, Cybium, Journal of Fish Biology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, and Society and Natural Resources.

Prof. Dr. Z. S. Andreopoulou, Aristotel University of Thessaloniki, Greece;
Prof. Dr. A. Bacu, University of Tirana, Albania;
Prof. Dr. Tom Buijse, Department of Ecology & Water Quality, Deltares, Utrecht (the Netherlands);
Prof. Dr. C. Constantin, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania;
Dr. Delia Dimitriu, Manchester Metropolitan University Center for Aviation, Transport and Environment, UK;
Prof. Dr. M. Fenice, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy;
Prof. Dr. T. Florijančić, University of Osijek, Croatia;
Prof. dr. doc. Petre Gâştescu, „Hyperion” University, Bucharest, Romania;
Prof. dr. ing. Lucian Puiu Georgescu, „Dunărea de Jos” University Galaţi, Romania;
CSI Dr. Mariana Golumbeanu, National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, Romania;
Prof. Dr. Z. Grgić, University of Zagreb, Croatia;
Prof. Dr. V. Guberac, University of Osijek, Croatia;
Prof. Dr. Thomas Hein, Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, BOKU, Vienna;
Dr. Ming Jiang, Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology Chinese Academy of Sciences;
Dr. Lidia Lenuţa Bălan - Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization

Prof. Dr. M. Kochubovski, University St. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, FYR Macedonia;
Prof. Dr. A. Kokkinakis, Aristotel University of Thessaloniki, Greece;
Prof. Dr. Y. Kurucu, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey;
Dr. Eng. Iulian Nichersu, Danube Delta National Institute for R&D, Tulcea, Romania;
Dr. Ion Năvodaru, Danube Delta National Institute for R&D, Tulcea, Romania;
Prof. Dr. S. Ozimec, University of Osijek, Croatia;
Acad. Prof. Dr. ing. Nicolae Panin, Romanian Academy;
Prof. Dr. M. Popa "1 December 1918" University of Alba Iulia, Romania;
Prof. Dr. Manuela Moreira Da Silva, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal;
Prof. Dr. Elchin Hafiz Sultanov, Director of Azerbaijan Ornithological Society, Associate professor in Baku Engineering University, Head of Ornithological Working Group of laboratory of Terrestrial Vertebrates of Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan;
Dr. biol. Marian Tudor, Danube Delta National Institute for R&D Tulcea, Romania;
Prof. dr. Angheluţă Vădineanu, Bucharest University, Romania;
Prof. Dr. A. Vaseashta, International Clean Water Institute, Herndon, VA, NJCU, State University of New Jersey, USA;
Dr. Eng. Tania Zaharia, National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, Romania.