Assessment of fish stock status with a special emphasis on real and potential production in the territory of National Park Kopaonik, Serbia

Original scientific paper

Authors:
Aleksa B. Cvetković Email  0009-0002-1524-6129
Tijana Z. Veličković  Email  0000-0001-9152-056X
Predrag M. Simović  Email  0000-0001-6723-8230
Ana S. Petrović Email  0000-0002-4908-8176
Nevena B. Đorđević Email  0000-0003-1272-7349
Snežana B. Simić Email  0000-0003-3273-2858
Vladica M. Simić  Email  0000-0001-6787-9783

DOI: 10.46793/KgJSci2601071C

Volume: 48  |  Issue: 1  |  Year: 2026  |  Pages: 71-88

ABSTRACT:

This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of brown trout populations within Kopaonik National Park, Serbia, from 2010 to 2023. Population changes were evaluated through analysis of biomass, real production estimated using Chapman’s method, and potential production calculated according to the Leger–Huet–Arrignon method. The results showed that Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758 biomass and production in the mountain rivers of NP Kopaonik were primarily constrained by cumulative habitat degradation driven by anthropogenic pressures. This resulted in pronounced spatial and temporal instability of populations, ranging from complete population loss in some rivers to strong interannual fluctuations in biomass and production in others. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring, habitat restoration, and targeted conservation measures to ensure the long-term stability of mountain river ecosystems and sustainable management of fish stocks in protected areas.

Keywords: Fish production, brown trout, protected areas, anthropogenic impact

This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0