Improved connectivity

Restoring connectivity – free passage for life in our waters
Migration barriers such as old dams, improperly constructed road culverts and overgrown coastal environments prevent many species from moving freely in our waters. The Improve Aquatic LIFE project is restoring connectivity in over 500 kilometers of rivers – to recreate free flowing waters, rich biodiversity and living aquatic landscapes.

What is connectivity and why is it important?
Connectivity is about how well different parts of a water system are connected – from the smallest stream in the forest to the open sea. In a natural system, fish, mussels and other aquatic species can move freely, water flows function properly and nutrients and sediments circulate between land and water. Unfortunately, many of our rivers have been affected over the years. Dams, improperly constructed road culverts, land drainage and construction along the coast have broken these natural connections. The result is fragmented habitats, poorer water quality and reduced biodiversity.

In total, we plan to improve connectivity in over 500 kilometers of rivers

When connectivity is lost, vital processes are impaired: fish cannot reach their spawning and nursery grounds, mussels cannot complete their life cycle, and natural sediment and nutrient transport is hindered. Restoring connectivity is therefore an important and cost-effective way to restore the function and health of ecosystems.

What is Improve Aquatic LIFE doing to improve connectivity?
Within the Improve Aquatic LIFE project, we are actively working to restore connectivity in selected river basins. The goal is to create free migration routes for aquatic organisms, from headwaters to the sea, by addressing physical barriers in the landscape. In total, we plan to improve connectivity in over 500 kilometers of rivers – an important contribution to the EU’s target of 25,000 kilometers of free-flowing water by 2030.

Three main areas of intervention:

1. Demolition of old dams
   We will remove 56 dams that no longer serve any purpose. Where removal is not possible due to cultural heritage or technical reasons, we will build fauna passages or fishways instead. These structures enable species such as salmon, sea lamprey, trout and eel to bypass the barrier and reach their spawning grounds further upstream.
2. Road culvert improvements
   In forest and rural areas, many road culverts have been installed without regard to aquatic organisms. These culverts can act as migration barriers, especially during periods of high or low low. We will remove or modify 40 improperly constructed culverts to restore natural flows and allow free passage.
3. Improving coastal areas
   Connectivity is not only important inland. Coastal environments are also affected by human activity, such as piers and overgrown bays. In Kungsbackafjorden, we will open up sections of piers to improve water flow and prevent sediment buid-up in the inner parts of the fjord.

Results and impacts
By restoring connectivity habitats will be improved for a range of threatened and protected species, including the project’s 4 target species:
– Salmon(Salmo salar)
– Sea lamprey(Petromyzon marinus)
– Freshwater pearl mussel(Margaritifera margaritifera)
– Thick shelled river mussel(Unio crassus)

The measures also help to:

• improve water quality and ecosystem services,
• strengthen resilience to climate change,
• meet the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive and Biodiversity Strategy; and
• create new opportunities for outdoor activities and nature experiences.

Together for living water
Restoring aquatic landscapes is a long-term effort that requires collaboration between authorities, landowners, entrepreneurs and local people. Through Improve Aquatic LIFE, we are taking a collective step towards healthier waters, richer nature and more sustainable communities.
Read more about our project areas here.