Endemic Romanian fish species threatened by river pollution; 114 specimens found in 450m stretch

Annual monitoring of the Aspretele, a 65-million-year-old fish endemic to Romania's Vâlsan River, found 114 specimens in a 450-meter stretch, with a nearby wastewater treatment plant discharging polluted water. Local authorities have funds for repairs and await EU funding response. The species' survival is at risk due to ongoing pollution, highlighting a localized environmental crisis.