The European Open Rivers Programme is delighted to announce its support for 12 new projects, aimed at restoring the ecological health of endangered European rivers. These initiatives represent a major step forward in efforts to remove obsolete river barriers and revitalise vital freshwater ecosystems, benefitting nature, biodiversity and local communities.
The recently awarded projects are categorised into four grant types: A1 barrier identification and prioritisation grants, A2 pre-demolition grants, and A3 and A4 demolition grants. Among the demolition projects, funding is provided for the removal of 6 barriers, which are expected to restore, approximately, 52 kilometres of rivers. In total, the potential for river length restored reaches 180 km (adding pre-demolition projects).
One of the supported projects will be managed by the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board. They will implement pre-demolition works for the complete removal of Culter Dam, located on the River Dee in Scotland, United Kingdom. Once complete, the removal of this barrier will result in 84 km of river being restored! The dam currently blocks critically endangered species, such as Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and eel, from accessing the river. Removing the dam will also promote stronger juvenile salmon growth, improving survival rates during ocean migration. This initiative will create a healthier and more connected river system, supporting long-term conservation efforts in the River Dee catchment.
In Sweden, the removal of the Hunseröd hydroelectric dam will restore 9 km of free-flowing waters in the Hunserödsbäcken Creek, benefiting species such as salmon, sea-run brown trout, the critically endangered European eel, and the endangered sea lamprey. This project is crucial for improving the ecological health of the Rönne å river system, enabling these species to access vital spawning and growth habitats while advancing Sweden’s goal of achieving good ecological status for its waterways by 2033.
