European Fish Migration Day 2nd edition: Reconnecting Rivers
It’s a wrap; the second ever European Fish Migration Day (EFMD) has been kicked of last 23rd May with an inspiring webinar! While World Fish Migration Day happens every two years, our Trans-European Swimways Programme decided to celebrate our precious migratory fish’ stories in the off years as well. By participating in the new EMFD, we also give Europe’s still declining aquatic migrants the stage they deserve.
Dam removal in the spotlight to save European migratory fish
With over three quarters of our migratory fish lost in the last 50 years alone, we must accelerate our actions to restore our European swimways, remove obsolete barriers and address the barriers that will remain. Luckily, this importance is increasingly acknowledged, with the current objectives in EU policy gradually addressing the importance of migratory fish and the connectivity of their habitats. Yet, numerous challenges remain.
These challenges fuelled the discussions during this second EMFD webinar, organised with the Trans European Swimways Network. As panellists, Dr. Foivos Mouchlianitis, researcher specialised in marine biology and aquatic ecology, showcased the amazing efforts on 2024 dam removals and Teresa Zuna, our project manager, enthusiastically presented the upcoming Dam Removal Award.
From these positive highlights, the webinar maintained a hopeful discussion for all barriers that will be deemed unremovable, with the first presentation of a draft policy brief on improved fishway implementation in Europe by Tom Dragt, our policy assistant, bringing us one step closer to fully functional fishways!
Following these fruitful presentations, this webinar was also the opportunity for panellist Dr. Paul Meulenbroek (researcher at BOKU University) to present the newly launched DANUBE Lifelines Horizon project presented, aiming to develop a transdisciplinary blueprint for the recovery of migratory fish and their habitats in the Danube River basin and beyond.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our speakers and participants who contributed to the success of the second EFMD. Your dedication to restoring free-flowing rivers in Europe and your unwavering passion for biodiversity are truly inspiring.
Next steps for protecting our European migratory fish
We can’t stress further how healthy free-flowing rivers support biodiversity, ecosystem services and resilient communities, directly contribute to the objectives set by the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 in relation to thriving biodiverse freshwater ecosystems.
While this all brings hope for Europe’s migratory fish, we also looked towards the global future with a first word on the 2026 World Fish Migration Day! Curious or inspired? Find the recording of this second ever European Fish Migration Day below.
For any inquiries reach out to Emma our Swimways Policy officer, [email protected]