Swimways on screen: A new video on our Swimways of European Importance just dropped!
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Swimways
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Wetland Biodiversity
With migratory fish struggling in Europe, the 75% decline in freshwater migratory fish populations calls for critical measures to turn the tide. Among these is the creation of our Trans European Swimways Program and, within this, the identification of Swimways of European Importance (SEIs). To show this amazing program, we created a new and vivid video that showcases the efforts we can take together to save Europe’s migratory fish.
Migratory fish are among some of the most extraordinary animals roaming across Europe. Showing incredible life histories, from growing up to and over 5 meters to living for over 100 years, or even swimming over 6000 km, migratory fish speak to our imagination. Furthermore, a lot of migratory species are vital for local economies, local cultures and recreational activities. Yet despite their importance, freshwater migratory fish encountered everything that could make them dwindle. Across Europe, human activities caused migratory populations of many species to degrade, putting most species of migratory fish, that once flooded European rivers, at risk.
This video shows us exactly what human stressors make our freshwater migratory fish feel trapped, while also showing why change sails on the horizon. With close cooperation with the same partners as the Global Swimways project, such as the WFMF, and with close help of the partners from the Trans-European Swimways Network (TEN-S), we set out in 2023 to map what rivers show to be the most valuable for migratory fish. Our objective is to make these SEIs a practical tool to guide the implementation of multiple European policies, from improving the water quality in line with the Water Framework Directive to helping out with the goals of the Nature Restoration Law and flowing into the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
Watch the video to discover the work of our Trans-European Swimways Programme and Network (TEN-S) to help migratory fish roam Europe again for our nature and future!
