PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Rivers along the Cantabrian coast are threatened by fragmentation. Obstacles interrupting the continuity of the rivers have accumulated over the years to the extent that these obstacles can be found almost every kilometre stretch of the rivers. Moreover, they run for some distances (in the order of tens of kilometres). As a result, the river ecosystems have been altered and the range of the most sensitive species (semi-aquatic mammals and fish) have been reduced or fragmented. Together with genetic isolation and other associated impacts, such fragmentation jeopardises the ecosystems’ ability to recover from or withstand other pressures.
River obstacles are therefore extremely relevant to the management of Cantabrian Natura 2000 sites and are the main focus of River Basin Management Plans. These obstacles have also been the main focus of several public authorities responsible for river management in both the Basque Country and Navarra. Conservation efforts in both territories are combined with recent projects to increase cooperation among regions. As a result, the scope of the LIFE project includes two shared river basins: the Bidasoa and Oria basins.
OBJECTIVES
Building on previous studies, the LIFE IrekiBAI project aimed to improve the conservation status of river habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive that are found in the Natura 2000 sites located in the Bidasoa and Oria river basins.
Specific objectives were to:
- Improve river connectivity by increasing the permeability of obstacles in rivers, restoring habitats and reducing impacts on watercourses, especially carrying out those measures identified as most effective;
- Increase knowledge of how to manage and restore these resources; and
- Disseminate project results and raise public awareness on the environmental values and services the rivers provide.
RESULTS
LIFE IrekiBAI achieved its objective of improving the conservation status of river habitats and species of the Habitats Directive in Natura 2000 sites in the Bidasoa and Oria river basins in Spain. The project team removed 10 obstacles to animal movement, facilitated passage through two other obstacles, removed dams over more than 7 km, and naturalised 1.5 ha of industrial ruins.
A range of species benefitted from the project actions, for example, due to an increase in their habitat by the removal of dams in rivers, the control of invasive species, and the improved river connectivity. The effect on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was the most notable, as it can now complete its lifecycle in the Leitzaran river on its own (before the project, it was transported in vehicles past obstacles) and in the Bidasoa river.
In addition to the improvements that this species has experienced in terms of the availability of suitable habitat and reduction of threats, the monitoring team made improvements in the methods used for its detection. Thanks to this, it has been possible to document the presence of Atlantic salmon in river basins, whereas until now its presence had only been suspected due to indirect indications.
The project team conducted extensive and effective dissemination and awareness-raising activities at local and regional level aimed at different audiences, and workshops for the involved stakeholders.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
