Potpeć Reservoir ecosystem health: An analysis based on the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)

АУТОР(И) / AUTHOR(S): Aleksandra M. Milošković, Milena D. Radenković, Nataša M. Kojadinović, Tijana Z. Veličković, Simona R. Đuretanović, Marijana D. Nikolić, Vladica M. Simić

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DOI:  10.46793/ICCBIKG25.257M

САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly subjected to anthropogenic pressures that compromise their ecological integrity, resulting in degraded water quality and altered biological communities. To assess the ecological status of the Potpeć Reservoir, we employed the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)—a multi-metric tool comprising 12 fish-based metrics—across three sampling campaigns conducted in 2008, 2011, and 2017. The obtained IBI scores were 30, 36, and 32, respectively (maximum possible score: 60). While nine metrics remained stable throughout the study period, interannual variability in three metrics accounted for the observed fluctuations in the overall index values. In particular, changes in total individuals, trophic composition, and the presence of sensitive taxa were the main drivers of index variability. These results highlight the utility of biologically-based assessment frameworks in tracking ecological changes and evaluating the impact of human activities on reservoir ecosystems. The application of such indices provides a scientifically grounded basis for the development of management strategies aimed at preserving or improving the ecological condition of aquatic environments under increasing environmental stress.

КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:

fish assemblage structure, metric characteristics, southwestern Serbia

ПРОЈЕКАТ / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The research presented in this article is part of Grants No. 451-03-136/2025-03/200122 and 451-03-136/2025-03/200378 funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia.

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