PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Cyprinidae are a large family of freshwater fish comprising carp, true minnow and their relatives. Recent studies show a decline in the populations of some threatened endemic cyprinid fish species in the Duero and Tajo river basins. In order of importance, the main reasons for this decline are obstacles in the river channel, the increasing presence of invasive species, the loss of habitats due to human interventions in the river channel, reduced water flow rates in the river and poor water quality.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE CIPRÍBER project aimed to aid the recovery of endemic cyprinid populations in Natura 2000 sites in the southwest of the Salamanca province. It planned to tackle threats and restore habitats for these target species.
The project also planned to conduct studies to increase technical and scientific knowledge of the species, as well as to assess the impact of environmental pressures and how to eliminate them. Based on the results of these studies, the project would draft and implement a fish action plan, an action framework document and an action protocol against invasive species. Expected interventions included the removal of unused transversal barriers and other barriers to make both used and unused barriers passable to fish, and the restoration of river channels.
The project also aimed to develop a captive breeding protocol for the use of native fish resources in the ichthyological centre of Galisancho. It would evaluate the results obtained to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of captive breeding as a conservation strategy to be applied elsewhere.
Finally, the project aimed to deliver both fish and water resources management plans for post-LIFE implementation, to share knowledge with scientific groups and authorities involved in biodiversity conservation, and to raise public awareness.
RESULTS
The LIFE CIPRÍBER project carried out all planned activities and in many areas exceeded expectations. For example, a total of 57 obstacles to the flow of rivers in the two target basins – Duero and Tagus – were overcome, a higher number than the 45 foreseen. Such river management activity, including the removal of 17 weirs, established connectivity over 351 km in 17 rivers, half the total length of river in the area (750 km). Additionally, the beneficiaries constructed more fish ramps than foreseen, achieving a total of 40.
Another key outcome of the project was the captive breeding of seven targeted fish species. The beneficiaries carried out captive breeding of Cobitis vettonica, which is found in the pools of Galisancho Centre, along with Iberian nase (Pseudochondrostoma polylepis). Hormonal procedures were carried out on the nase to induce hatching. This aspect of the project resulted in the reintroduction of 3 221 individuals into the river basins.
The project actions also helped restore riparian habitats in the target area as well as implement an action protocol against invasive alien species. It moreover drafted a water resources management plan and a fish species management plan order to establish a stable framework for the continuation of conservation actions in the future.
Finally, the project helped increase knowledge of the local and invasive species located in the rivers in the southwest of the province of Salamanca. High-quality informational materials were produced and local schoolchildren engaged in the goals of the project.
