In Stockån, a tributary of River Ätran, parts of an old dam are being removed to restore free migration for salmon and other species. This is part of the Improve Aquatic LIFE project, which aims to improve Ätrans river ecosystem and strengthen biodiversity. SVT visited and reported from the project.
The dam removal of the Stockån mill dam at Okome is now in full swing. Selected parts of the dam are being saved for cultural-historical reasons, while others are being torn out to recreate the natural flows that once existed.
Parts of the old dam are being torn out. Photo: Johan Cederbrink
SVT on site
In a local news feature made by SVT Halland, it is shown how parts of the old dam in Stockån, a tributary of River Ätran, are torned down. This will create free migration routes and much-needed stream habitats for migrating fish species such as salmon, sea lamprey, eel and sea trout.
– It is amazing. The water is now flowing freely. It will be magically beautiful here, in addition to that all the species below the surface being able to pass freely” says Elisabeth Thysell, fisheries consultant at the County Administrative Board in Halland County, which you can see here.
Free flowing river is created in Stockån. Photo: Johan Cederbrink
Improving the ecosystem – Improve Aquatic LIFE
The work to remove migration barriers in the Stockån river is part of Improve Aquatic LIFE to improve the Ätran river system. The aim is, among other things, to increase connectivity and access to spawning areas for migrating fish species such as salmon and sea lamprey as well as to the freshwater pearl mussel reproduction areas. The mussel is dependent on salmon and trout for its reproduction. At the same time, important habitats in River Ätran, Högvadsån and their tributaries are being restored to bring back natural hydrology and enhance biodiversity. Combined efforts will restore the river which will improve the functioning of the ecosystem and increase the populations of endangered species such as sea lamprey and freshwater pearl mussel.
The County Administrative Board of Halland is responsible for the restoration project in Stockån and the project manager is Fiskevårdsteknik AB.