Pontic shad
VU

Pontic shad

Alosa immaculata

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontic_shad

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Pontic shad faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction blocking access to spawning rivers in the Black Sea basin. Overfishing in both marine and freshwater environments has further reduced breeding populations, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge degrades critical spawning habitats. Climate change is altering water temperatures and flow patterns in spawning rivers, disrupting the species' reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pontic shad is an anadromous fish that spends most of its adult life in the Black Sea and Azov Sea, migrating into rivers for spawning. It requires access to large river systems with suitable gravel beds and clean, well-oxygenated water for successful reproduction.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pontic shad classified as Vulnerable?
Pontic shad is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Pontic shad faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction blocking access to spawning rivers in the Black Sea basin. Overfishing in both marine and freshwater environments has further reduced breeding populations, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge degrades critical spawning habitats. Climate change is altering water temperatures and flow patterns in spawning rivers, disrupting the species' reproductive cycle.
Where does Pontic shad live?
Pontic shad occurs in Bulgaria, Canada, France, Georgia, Moldova, and Romania (plus 4 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pontic shad?
The main threats to Pontic shad are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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