River Helge å and Vramsån

Mussels and fish in the watercourse
Vramsån has a moderate biodiversity of benthic animals and fish. Twelve fish species are known, including salmon and river lamprey, both priority species in the project. The critically endangered eel and the nationally threatened catfish are also present. In addition, there are host fish for threatened river mussel larvae, such as the sandpiper greenling and brown trout. The salmon is a priority under the Habitats Directive and in the Natura 2000 management plan for Vramsån.
Recruitment of the river pearl mussel and the thick-shelled mussel is poor. These species are priorities under the Habitats Directive and are included in the management plan for the Natura 2000 site.

Infected host fish will be released to strengthen the recruitment of the pearl mussel and the thick shell mussel

Otters and moustached bats
The area has high nature value for terrestrial animals and plants, especially birds such as the willow warbler, kingfisher, marsh tit, lesser spotted woodpecker and common tern. The kingfisher is a particular priority in the management plan. Mammals include bat species, such as the red-listed mustached bat and the priority otter. The area is home to the entire Scandinavian distribution of water primrose, a nationally vulnerable plant.

Agriculture has led to eutrophication
Vramsån has a meandering character, surrounded by deciduous and coniferous forest and small-scale agriculture in the upper reaches. Downstream, intensive agriculture dominates, which has led to eutrophication. Historical land use has affected the hydromorphology through drainage and channelization, which has contributed to reduced water flows and lower water levels during summer. Small-scale hydropower and old mill dams also negatively affect connectivity, and the WFD assesses the connectivity of the Vramsån as poor.

Fish passages to strengthen
The project involves creating fish passages at two partial migration barriers from former mill dams. One barrier will be demolished and a fauna passage will be created at the other. These measures aim to improve the conservation status of salmon, river lamprey and eel, as well as strengthening the habitat as a whole. The measures are complemented by connectivity improvements within the LIFE CONNECTS and NAP projects.
Physically modified stretches of the Vramsån river will be restored to promote recruitment of river lamprey. Restoring wetlands by plugging ditches will improve water quality, retain water in the landscape and counteract the effects of climate change on water flows.

Infected host fish will be released to strengthen the recruitment of the pearl mussel and the thick shell mussel. The combined strategy of habitat restoration, hydrological restoration and improved connectivity will strengthen the ecosystem, improve water flows and benefit both fish and mussel populations.