Session E8: Fish Migration Possibilities in the Netherlands; State of the Art (Barriers, Solutions, Monitoring)

Abstract: Measures to restore fish migration is gaining a major boost in the Netherlands since the Water Framework Directive, Benelux Regulation and Eel Directive are operational. Water managers, responsible for a good ecological status, are working hard to reach free fish migration in their waters. Currently, 1.124 measures are realized at barriers like weirs, pumping stations, sluices and culverts. 2.745 barriers are identified. Since 2000, there is a strong development of measures and new techniques. These results are based on a study “The Netherlands living with Fish Migration”, that was started in 2008. Target of this study was the evaluation of the progress in approach of measures and to gather information on improvement of fish migration in the Netherlands. Within this project a database was created with the prioritized barriers and measures for fish migration. This data is supplied by the water managers. Every four years water managers are asked for an update and an evaluation is carried out. In this presentation the results are discussed, with focus on type of barrier, solutions and intensity of monitoring carried out by the water managers. Also an overview of planning, with respect to WFD targets, is given. A map is created of for migratory fish accessible inland waters in up- and downstream direction. Database and maps are good medium for exchanging knowledge between water managers and other stakeholders

ETN Valued Species and Sites Report

Provide operations and maintenance support to scientific teams initiating studies of valued species, such as Bluefin tuna, European eel, sea bass, sea trout. To achieve this deliverable a workshop will be hold focussing on launching and networking activities

Session D6: Restoration of the Haringvliet

Abstract: The Haringvliet estuary, just south of Rotterdam, used to connect the North Sea to the Rhine and Meuse rivers, until it was closed for water safety reasons by the Haringvliet dam in 1970. With the closure, the dynamic tidal ecosystem turned into a stagnant freshwater lake. Fish such as salmon and eel could no longer move between river and sea and largely disappeared from the rivers. In 2011 the Dutch government approved a plan to open partly the sluices in the Haringvliet dam to allow salt water to enter a part of the estuary and open up a route for migratory fish to reach their spawning grounds upstream. When this happens in 2018, matters will improve for fish migration. However, much more effort is needed to restore the natural estuarine dynamics and bring back life, ecological and economical, to the delta. January 2015, WWF-Netherlands, Natuurmonumenten, Sportvisserij Nederland, ARK Natuurontwikkeling, Staatbosbeheer and Vogelbescherming Nederland were awarded a 13.5 million Euro grant by the Dutch Post Code Lottery to realise an ambitious restoration of the tidal landscape of the Haringvliet. The programme will aim for restoring the tidal landscape of channels, shoals and sandbanks to host salmon and trout, as well as dolphins, porpoises and water birds. Special attention is given to the European sturgeon, which disappeared from the rivers as a result of pollution and overfishing. A rearing station and reintroduction programme will bring back this majestic fish. There will be special attention to reducing the threats of professional fisheries in the Haringvliet estuary and around the dam in specific. Options are to change to different fishing methodologies and to develop fish free zones around the dam. The Haringvliet delta is not only in need of an ecological boost, but also an economic one. Public access to restored nature is part of the wider plan. This approach will provide lots of opportunity for sustainable economic development in the region

Session C1: Supporting Decision-Making for Improving Longitudinal Connectivity for Diadromous and Potamodromous Fishes in Complex Catchments

Abstract: Preservation and restoration of Europe\u27s endangered migratory fish species and habitats are high on the international river basin policy agenda. Improvement through restoration of longitudinal connectivity is seen as an important measure, but although prioritization of in-stream barriers has been addressed at local and regional levels the process still lacks adequate priority on the international level. This paper introduces a well-tested method, designed to help decision makers achieve the rehabilitation of targeted ichthyofauna more successfully. This method assesses artificial barriers within waters designated under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), Europe\u27s main legislative driver for ecological improvement of river basins. The method aggregates migratory fish communities (both diadromous and potamodromous) into functional biological units (ecological fish guilds) and defines their most pressing habitat requirements. Using GIS mapping and spatial analysis of the potential ranges (fish zonation) we pin-point the most important barriers, per guild. This method was developed and deployed over a 12 year period as a practical case study, fitting data derived from the 36 regional water management organisations in the Netherlands. We delivered national advice on the prioritization of a total of 2924 barriers located within WFD water bodies, facilitating migration for all 18 indigenous migratory fish species