Exploring EU policy opportunities to improve the conservation of Swimways of European Importance
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Biodiversity - Swimways
Discover this new report investigating policy opportunities to improve the conservation of Swimways of European Importance (SEIs).
Migratory freshwater fish populations in Europe have declined by 75% since 1970, largely due to habitat fragmentation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. The Trans-European Swimways Programme entailed a first outline of the policy frameworks (at global, European and EU levels) having an impact, positive or negative, on migratory freshwater fish species and their habitats. This new report narrows the focus to EU policies, identifying key legislative and non-legislative tools that can be leveraged to restore connectivity and improve the health of Europe’s rivers, ensuring the survival of emblematic species like eels, sturgeons and many other migratory fish.
The report assesses key policies, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy, Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, Renewable Energy Directive, the Nature Restoration Law, among others. It highlights specific provisions affecting species conservation, sustainable use and habitat quality within swimways. The report also identifies existing policy gaps and provides concrete, actionable recommendations are presented to strengthen protections for SEIs.
This analysis offers a timely roadmap for decision-makers, conservationists, and stakeholders to align policy efforts with biodiversity restoration goals within the current EU institutional cycle (2024-2029).
