Conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 rheophilic fish species and their migratory routes in key SCIs in Bulgaria

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Fragmentation poses the greatest threat to Bulgaria's rivers and their dependent species. The construction of artificial barriers, such as hydropower plants, bridges and erosion control features, is having a detrimental impact and requirements to protect river habitats by allowing for the migration of aquatic organisms upstream and downstream have not been introduced. Most of the country's river barriers were built in the period from 1960s till the 1980s, an era of significant unsustainable industrial development and pollution that led to the complete extinction of fish species in many of the watersheds. Migration barriers and severe industrial pollution have made natural restocking a slow, random and sometimes impossible process. As a result, the populations of many species are severely reduced.

OBJECTIVES

The main goal of the LIFE FREE FISH project was to improve the conservation status of six small rheophilic fish species and a mollusc species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive in selected river sections in Natura 2000 sites in the Bulgarian Danube river basin.

Specifically, the project aimed to:

Improve longitudinal connectivity, reduce river fragmentation and improve habitats in selected river stretches to support the migration of target species and the connectivity of populations;

Carry out restocking to strengthen populations of the target species;

Build capacity and engage institutions and other stakeholders to consider the issues of longitudinal river connectivity and plan for national measures; and

Create public awareness and reach out to local groups within the project area to secure support for the conservation of the target species.

Specific actions planned to achieve the following conservation objectives:

A thorough inventory of the project area to obtain comprehensive and up-to-date information on the status of the target species and their habitats;

Restoration of a gravel river bed in a selected river section;

Removal of two barrages and construction of a fish pass to reduce river fragmentation;

Evaluation of conservation activities based on monitoring of the relevant river sections;

Raising awareness of the issues of longitudinal river connectivity, river fragmentation and rheophilic fish species conservation through the creation of forums for extensive discussions with national and international experts, and the creation of guidelines on fish passes;

Dissemination of project results in specialised scientific publications; and

Securing public involvement and support through a set of communication activities aimed at both specialist and lay audiences.

RESULTS

The LIFE FREE FISH project team studied nearly 27 000 specimens of more than 30 riverine species, as well as collecting scientific information on the seven target species (six fish species and one mollusc). A total of 48 sampling locations, comprising 13 rivers and 506 km of river sections, were surveyed. Around 397 km of the river stretches were located within 18 Natura 2000 sites, covering an area of around 5 060 000 m2.

The project’s analysis led to the production of two reports focused on the conservation of the mollusc species, as well as two further reports: "Report on the status of populations in pre-designated areas" and "Report on each habitat of each species". The European freshwater fish, gudgeon (Gobio, Romanogobio), was also well researched. The project’s studies formed the basis for the drawing up of guidelines on fishways, and the team is continuing its efforts to make the guidelines legally binding.

Another key action of the project was the restocking of target species. A total of 219 bullhead (Cottus gobio) individuals and 589 golden spined loach (Sabanejewia aurata) individuals were captured in two river sections and successfully relocated in the Panicharka and the Sivyak Rivers in Balgarka Nature Park. The project also carried out riverbed restoration actions in Cherni Lom River and constructed a model fish pass, while removing a barrier to fish migration.

The team also carried out high-quality training and networking activities, while the results were widely publicised to lay and specialist audiences. The project contributed to the 7th Environmental Action Programme, especially its aim of “Halting Biodiversity Loss by 2010 and Beyond”, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020, as well as being in line with the Ramsar Convention and the Danube River Basin Management Plan (2016-2021).

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).