In Lärjeån, wildlife passages and restorations will improve the status of the threatened river pearl mussel, migrating salmon and other species.
Lärjeån is a tributary of the Göta River, in Västra Götaland County. Twelve kilometers of Lärjeån’s total 55-kilometer stretch have Natura 2000 status. Priority species such as salmon and river pearl mussels are found here. Previous habitat restoration and removal of migration barriers have been carried out by county councils and local associations, but there are still problems with the river’s ecological status.
Over nine hectares of important areas for mussels, salmon and other species to be restored
Opening up tributaries
The Improve Aquatic Life project in the project area called “Göta River South” will remove three migration barriers or install fauna passages. The measures will mean that 43 kilometers of tributaries will be opened up for migrating fish and animals.
Over nine hectares of important areas for mussels, salmon and other species will be restored. In addition, ten hectares of wetlands and marshes will be planned – all to improve water quality, biodiversity and fish production in the Göta River system.
The trout helps the mussel
The presence of the river pearl mussel shows that the watercourse is healthy, which means that other species also thrive. The river pearl mussel is protected in Swedish waters and red-listed as critically endangered. At three sites, host fish such as trout will be infected with larvae of the river pearl mussel, improving and accelerating the spread of the mussel.