River Emån

River Emån is an approximately 229 km long river in south-eastern Sweden, with a catchment area of approximately 4 500 km². The river has its source in the Småland highlands and flows through varied landscapes, including forests, wetlands and agricultural land, before flowing into the Baltic Sea. River Emån is of great ecological and cultural importance and is classified as a national interest for nature conservation, cultural environment and outdoor life.

River Emån is known for its population of large sea trout, but is also home to a large number of other fish species as well as the endangered freshwater mussels pearl mussel and thick-shelled mussel. Species such as kingfishers, starlings and otters also live along the banks of the river.

Past and ongoing projects have worked to remove migration barriers and restore habitats, but major challenges remain.

Ecological status and challenges
River Emån hosts around 30 of Sweden’s 50 freshwater fish species, including salmon, aspen, coypu and the threatened European catfish. However, the salmon population is severely affected by habitat fragmentation, lack of spawning grounds and migration barriers that limit salmon migration. Terrestrial species such as kingfishers, starlings and otters also live along the banks of the river.
Despite being an important habitat for sea trout and catfish, River Emån has only a moderate ecological status. This is due to migration barriers, such as hydropower plants and mills, as well as habitat changes and climate change leading to water scarcity in some areas. Historical acidification from industrial pollution and ongoing eutrophication in the lower reaches also affect biodiversity. However, liming efforts and improved agricultural practices have helped to reduce some of these threats.
Past and ongoing projects have worked to remove migration barriers and restore habitats, but major challenges remain.

Threatened mussels have declined
River Emån is also an important habitat for threatened freshwater mussels, such as the pearl mussel and the thick-shelled mussel. These species are declining in numbers due to reduced host fish populations, habitat loss and deteriorating water quality.

Restoration measures
Several proposed measures aim to restore the ecological functions of the Emån. These include removing migration barriers, improving hydrology and restoring wetlands to increase connectivity and biodiversity. Under the Improve Aquatic LIFE project, the actions are expected to benefit fish and mussel populations, reduce seasonal water shortages and contribute to long-term nature conservation management.

High recreational values
Several parts of River Emån and its tributaries are part of the Natura 2000 network. It protects important habitats, such as large Fennoscandian rivers and aquatic vegetation. These areas conserve key species such as salmon, water voles, pearl mussels and otters. As stocks recover, management plans will be updated to adapt to the new ecological conditions.

The importance of the Emån for outdoor recreation, tourism and education should not be underestimated. For example, sport fishing attracts visitors from all over the world.

Other and future actions
Emån tributaries such as Gnyltån, Stuverydsbäcken, Illharjen, Silverån and Fusån also have high conservation values and face similar ecological challenges. Restoration efforts in these areas focus on improving habitats, removing migration barriers and strengthening hydrological conditions. These efforts are supported by organizations such as WWF and local conservation groups, with the aim of restoring the Emån ecosystem and preserving its biodiversity.