ConnectFish

Analysis of the ecological connectivity of dams in relation to the conservation status of Iberian fishes. conservation status of Iberian fishes: a multidisciplinary approach.

Spain has one of the highest percentages of endemic freshwater fish species in Europe (>70%), as well as being one of the countries with the highest density of dams per square kilometer in the world. To improve the connectivity of the river network , the Spanish government launched the National Strategy for River Restoration, which includes dam removal among its recommended actions.

It is therefore necessary to evaluate the conservation status and environmental requirements of Iberian fish, to analyze the impact on the populations of these species of the construction or elimination of dams, and to evaluate the social perception that river users have of dams and river restoration.

Principal Investigators

BIOMA Institute researcher team

core topic

WHY IS THIS project NECESSARY?
 

Factors such as pollution, habitat loss, climate change or the presence of river obstacles in their courses threaten the health of our rivers. To try to curb these impacts, the Spanish government launched the National Strategy for River Restoration, which includes the removal of dams among its recommended actions.
This project aims to generate information and tools to help the administration, which normally has limited time and resources, to make efficient decisions regarding river management and dam removal, taking into account all the environmental and social components involved. This will allow us to move towards healthier and more resilient river ecosystems.

WHAT SOLUTIONS IS THE CONNECTFISH project STUDYING?
 

By collecting and analyzing information on Iberian fish species, their conservation status and how they are affected by dams, as well as taking into account the social perception on this topic, this project will generate management tools that will help the administration to make efficient decisions on river restoration.

how does this project affect society?
 

Rivers play a core topic role in the development mankind, acting as a source of food and water, from the first civilizations that settled around them, to the present day in which they continue to provide us with numerous benefits and ecosystem services.
The information and tools that come out of this project will help to facilitate this great need and responsibility that we have ahead of us to protect and restore rivers and the species that inhabit them, to leave as a legacy a healthy environment for future generations.

Participating partners

Funding Entity

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