FISH RESCUE FROM HPP PERUĆICA CANAL

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, in cooperation with the Sport-Fishing Association Nikšić and NGO Ozon, organized rescuing of retained fish in hydro energy system of Perućica after the system closure due to commencement of regular annual overhaul of the hydro power plant.

Director of HPP Perućica, Mr Radovan Đukanović, MSc, said that EPCG, as a responsible company, was engaged in finding the permanent and sustainable model to save the fish retained in the canal.

'In accordance with the Law on Freshwater Fisheries, EPCG, together with the colleagues fishermen, is meeting the defined obligations regarding restocking of the lakes Krupac and Slano. Besides, EPCG signed an additional agreement with the Sport-Fishery Club from Nikšić about fishing and bringing the fish back into their home lakes for the purpose of ecosystem preservation', Mr. Đukanović said

NGO Ozon, which deals with environmental protection, this time also took part in the campaign of fish rescue in HPP Perućica canals. Director of NGO Ozon, Mr. Aleksandar Perović expressed the pleasure for taking a part in the efforts to solve the problem regarding fish fund preservation, also saying that he was pleased with the approach and manner in which the campaign had been organized.

'One should bear in mind that both lakes have gained the ecosystem importance over a number of decades of their existence and certain species of flora and fauna have already been defined including, definitely, certain fish species. Therefore, I consider campaigns like these an example of the so called human ecology being applied in practice, with cooperation and participation of all the relevant sectors and institutions', Mr. Perović said.

The campaign started after emptying of the water conveyance system, and several thousand kilograms of fish has been taken out and brought back into the home lakes – Slano and Krupac. The campaign is supervized also by the agricultural inspector.

Secretary of the Sport-Fishing Club Nikšić, Mr. Vlajko Simović, said that the campaign would last for as long as needed to return the majority of fish into their home lakes. Mr. Simović said that several tons of fish had been rescued last year, as well as that the effects of the campaign would tried to be intensified during this year, provided that weather condiitions are favourable.

Regular annual overhaul of HPP Perućica started today and total shutdown in the power plant will last by the end of August. Filling of the water conveyance system, upon completion of overhaul, is expected on September 1.