Actual State of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, using Aerospace and GPS Data

In this paper we describe the actual state of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, using aerospace and GPS data. The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is situated in the south-eastern part of Romania and the north of Dobrudja, being limited on its north side by the Danube River and Chilia Branch, at east by the Black Sea and at south and east by the hills of the Dobrudjan plateau. Danube Delta is the third largest delta in Europe, with over 5,400 species of plants and animals identified, is the third area in the world in terms of biological diversity, Danube Delta has a surface of 4,178 km2, stretched over two neighbour countries, Romania (82%) and Ukraine (18%). It is listed as a wetland of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention. The universal natural heritage value of the reserve was inclusded of the strictly protected areas in the World Heritage List under the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention.

The methodology involves detection, identification and recognition of the components of Danube delta. That’s includes water bodies, reed beds, green areas, villages, relief. As a primary attention is given to floating reed islets which are typical for the region. These floating islands represent specific habitats of flying reed in places with greater water depths currently is found only in the Danube Delta in Romania and Sreburna Lake in Bulgaria. They occupy large areas in the Danube Delta and depending on the water level and their width, they can be: mobile : moving along the lakes under the action of wind and stream; stuck: in shallow areas where the level water is low; fixed on other stuck reed islets, but having water underneath, which represents an excellent habitat for species of fish. This moving of reed islets can be very dangerous, as some channels can be closed in this way and the sailing would be very difficult.

We have used topographic maps and satellite images from IKONOS. For that purpose are used specific spectral channels of satellite images, which makes it possible to be achieved maximum likelihood of recognition. It is necessary all input data to be converted into a digital form and georeference.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse this state, which will be helpful for making an adequate decision for a better management of the reserve and preservation of these floating islands with minimum impact on the native flora and fauna.