PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project aims to save from the brink of extinction the softmouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris), an endangered species listed in the European Red List, endemic in the EU only in Croatia.
Salmothymus obtusirostris is a rheophilic fish that thrives in clean, cold waters that are rich in oxygen. The species is spread across a very narrow area, so it is threatened by any change in the rivers. Outside the EU, populations have been discovered in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
It is a target species in three Natura 2000 sites in Croatia that are distinctive for the survival of this species: HR2000931 Jadro, HR2000933 Vrljika and HR5000031 Delta Neretve. The overall trend in the conservation status of the softmouth trout was classed as deteriorating.
The most significant reported negative impacts on the survival of this species are physical alterations in the water and agricultural activities generating widespread pollution to surface or ground water, the presence of invasive alien species, pollution to surface and ground water and illegal fishing.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of the project is to improve the level of conservation of Natura 2000
target species and habitats through river connectivity.
Specific objectives are:
1. Improving the conservation of salmo obtusirostris through improvement of river connectivity and implementation of other conservation measures in two Natura 2000 Sites of Community Interest (SCI);
2. Increasing the knowledge base and assessing the impacts of barriers on Natura 2000 target species and habitats while prioritizing the removal or adjustment of barriers;
3. Supporting conservation of Natura 2000 target species and habitats by promoting sustainable practices and replicating them to maximise results;
4. Monitoring the impact of improved river connectivity, the removal of alien species and population increases on the potential to preserve the fish in addition to the socio-economic impact of the project implementation;
5. Raising awareness on Natura 2000, communicating project objectives and results, ensuring visibility of the EU’s LIFE Programme for environment and climate action.
RESULTS
- restoration of connectivity on a minimum of 9.5 km of rivers through the removal/adjustment of six barriers;
- increased population size from 1,500 individuals to 2,000 individuals in the Jadro River and from 600 individuals to 2,000 individuals in the Vrljika River;
- restoration of riparian vegetation on 3.48 ha;
- removal of macrophyte vegetation on 0.9 ha;
- development of two draft ordinances for protection and preservation of two ichthyological reserves;
- establishment of a Commission for fish passes in Croatia and raised public awareness
- production of a map of barriers on river ecosystems in Croatia containing information such as their location, their type, height, in-use status, photos, in an electronic geo-referenced format.
- establishment of a priority list of barriers to be adjusted with details on the barriers with the prioritization of their removal.
- establishment of guidelines for improvement of degree of conservation of species and habitats in Natura 2000 sites supporting river ecosystem connectivity and implementing other conservation measures.
- preparation of a protocol for the renovation and maintenance of riparian vegetation that will include the list of native plant species per each site – Jadro and Vrljika – in line with national habitat classification.
