To enable the removal of barriers in Lake Skadar’s tributaries, restoring river connectivity and improving ecological health, thereby contributing to long-term biodiversity conservation and sustainable freshwater management.
Lake Skadar, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania, with a seasonal surface area ranging from 370 to 530 km². Due to its exceptional biodiversity, it has been designated as a National Park in Montenegro and recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. It is also listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA), supporting a wealth of rare and endangered species, including migratory birds.
The Lake Skadar ecosystem is a true biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide array of endemic and migratory species. Its tributaries – Crmnica, Orahovštica, Seljanštica, Rijeka Crnojevića, Šegrtnica, Plavnica, Gostiljska, Mrka, Mala Zalica, Zbelj, Rujela, Cijevna, and Sitnica – act as crucial migration routes for key fish species such as the marble trout (Salmo marmoratus), Adriatic basin brown trout (Salmo farioides), bleak (Alburnus scoranza), coastal barbel (Barbus rebeli), and yellow chub (Rutilus ohridanus), all of which depend on free-flowing rivers for spawning and survival.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Barrier identification and prioritisation |
| Country | Montenegro |
| River | Tributaries of Lake Skadar: Crmnica, Orahovstica, Selajnstica, Rijeka Crnojevica, Segrtnica, Plavnica, Gostiljdska, Mrka, M. Zalice, Zbelj, Rujela, Cijevna and Sitnica |
| Focal species | Salmo marmoratus, Salmo farioides, Alburnus scoranza, Barbus rebeli and Rutilus ohridanus |
| Organisation | NGO Eco-team |
| Website | NGO Eco-team |
The ecological condition of Lake Skadar’s tributaries is under increasing pressure. Rivers like Crmnička Rijeka and Orahovštica are considered at risk due to water abstraction for irrigation and domestic supply, as well as the presence of numerous small barriers that disrupt natural flows – factors acknowledged in the Adriatic River Basin Management Plan.
Removing these barriers represents a valuable opportunity to restore river function and improve surrounding habitats. Re-establishing natural flow will enhance water quality, reduce sedimentation, and alleviate eutrophication in the lake basin. Crucially, it will also enable key fish species to access spawning habitats, strengthening biodiversity and overall ecosystem resilience. These actions support the goal of achieving Good Ecological Status, in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive.
This project aims to build the foundation for large-scale ecological restoration of Lake Skadar’s tributaries by developing a detailed inventory of existing barriers and a robust prioritisation framework for their removal. It will also produce educational tools and guidance to support future restoration efforts.
Key expected outcomes include:
A comprehensive assessment of the size, location, condition, and ecological impact of barriers
Evaluation of their effects on fish migration, biodiversity, hydrology, and sedimentation
Consideration of social and legal factors including land ownership and community perspectives
Prioritisation of barriers for removal based on ecological benefit and feasibility
A detailed report including photos, mapping, and technical data
A practical guide outlining the legal and administrative steps for barrier removal
Results and proposals will be shared with local authorities and stakeholders, whose feedback will shape the next phase of implementation – paving the way for effective, community-supported restoration across the Lake Skadar basin.
The project established the first systematic basis for future barrier removal in this ecologically important basin in Montenegro. During the project, Eco-team completed a comprehensive field inventory of more than 80 barriers across selected tributaries of Lake Skadar, documenting their location, condition, and technical characteristics.
The project also delivered ecological and social assessments of the identified barriers, helping to determine which structures have the highest potential for future removal. This process produced a shortlist of priority barriers and showed that future restoration efforts must combine ecological benefits with technical safety, legal clarity, and the support of local communities and competent institutions.
A key project result was the preparation of the “Guide for the Removal of Obsolete Barriers in the Tributaries of Lake Skadar,” which provides a practical legal and administrative framework for future removal projects in Montenegro. In parallel, the project strengthened cooperation with institutions and raised awareness among local communities and the wider public through events, educational materials, and video outreach.
Overall, the project created a strong foundation for future river restoration actions in the Lake Skadar basin and advanced knowledge, readiness, and cooperation for barrier removal in Montenegro.
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