PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Aquatic ecosystems in the Jämtland area of Sweden currently face significant physical, chemical, and biological pressures. The clearing of streams, dams and road culverts, along with the consequent siltation of lakes and streambeds, affect riverine habitats listed in the Annex I of the Habitats Directive: 3210 (Fennoscandian natural rivers) and 3140 (hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.). Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are leaking from soils because of agriculture and forestry activities. Wastewater from treatment plants or private properties also increases the nutrient loads in local aquatic habitats. Due to a locally high concentration of nutrients and sediment/organic matter input the reed Phragmites australis has increased in density and distribution. This means that spawning grounds and feeding areas for lake-dwelling fish are severely affected and their population sizes have decreased. Moreover, climate change also presents challenges for the habitats’ long-term future. Another problem is the unsustainable use of natural resources.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of LIFE-TripleLakes was to develop a model for adaptive catchment management for high conservation value aquatic ecosystems that takes into account climate change. The aim was to achieve this by implementing a programme of catchment enhancement measures that improve the status and resilience of aquatic Natura 2000 ecosystems. Specific measures included: eliminating and/or reducing threats to the morphology, hydrology and water quality in three large Natura 2000 lakes and their tributaries; increasing the capacity of aquatic habitats to maintain favourable conditions and to contribute to a good ecological status; strengthening ecosystem resilience with respect to the impact of climate change; developing a participatory approach; and drawing up an adaptive model for future catchment management.
RESULTS
The LIFE-TripleLakes project developed a model for adaptive catchment-level management of aquatic ecosystems with a climate change perspective. This was done by implementing measures to improve the aquatic ecosystem and habitats in Natura 2000 network sites in Sweden. The project team conducted restoration work in 36 streams, removing migratory barriers and establishing fish passages, and creating spawning grounds. Actions that decreased the impact from land use on the habitats provided better conditions for targeted species, and thus improved their ability to adapt to the effects of climate change.
The project’s catchment-level approach enabled the conservation status of the targeted lakes with tributaries to be increased. Specifically, the project team restored stream hydro-morphology, leading to an addition of about 235 000 m2 of physically-functioning bottom substrate. The removal of barriers gave migratory species access to about 76 856 m2 and about 70 km of additional stream habitat, resulting in more viable fish and invertebrate communities. Restoration of fish spawning areas provided 1 500 m2 of new spawning substrates at the bottom of streams and lakes, increasing fish population sizes. The elimination of reeds on three sites (over 35 000 m2 per year) helped restore lake habitats, while the re-introduction of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) has re-established a typical species community.
The project’s sewage inventory led to the improvement of almost 1 100 sewage treatment plants, decreasing the transport of nutrients and organic matter to lakes. During the project, a water protection area for Lake Näkten, which is used as drinking water, was established.
Restoration activities that have improved stream morphological and connectivity have particularly benefits for the conservation status of the Annex I listed Habitats Directive habitat types ‘Fennoscandian natural rivers’ (3210) and ‘Water courses of plain to montane levels…’ (3260). The decreased transportation of nutrients to lakes from land use activities mainly benefit ‘Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.’ (3140) and ‘Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters…’ (3130).
In addition to the Habitats Directive, the project contributes to the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy (Targets 1, 2, and 6) and the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Project actions helped improve conditions in Näkten and Locknesjön lakes (‘Moderate’ ecological status according to WFD), and have prevented deterioration in Revsundssjön Lake (‘Good’ ecological status). In line with EU climate policy, the adaptive management of catchments strengthens resilience to climate change. There are also synergies between the connectivity activities and initiatives in the energy sector, for example, associated beneficiary SWAM (Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management) is cooperating closely with the Swedish Energy Agency, and the project supports the development of the Hydroelectric Environmental Fund. The fish passages constructed by the project featured in a new national Handbook for the management of migration barriers elaborated by SWAM.
The project’s catchment approach is a good demonstration of a more holistic management of environmental and nature conservation issues. The diverse project partnership also serves as a good example, involving cooperation between national and regional authorities, an energy company, forest authority, Federation of Swedish Farmers, and local fishing associations. Discussions among stakeholders secured a more sustainable result. The project’s dissemination and capacity building actions raised awareness among stakeholders and the general public, providing the conditions for more water-friendly land use.
Socio-economic benefits arose from the inventory of the sewage system for 1 642 households, which raised awareness and revealed where improvements are needed. Fishing and nature tourism is very important to the economy in Jämtland, and these sectors will benefit from improved ecological status and nature conservation. The project therefore directly supports regional development in remote areas. Increasing revenue from fishing licenses in Bräcke municipality enabled Stavre football club to buy a new lawn-mower to maintain their pitch.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
