The ecologically significant Riežupe River, a tributary of the Venta - one of Latvia’s largest rivers - must be fully restored by removing its final barrier to ensure it is free-flowing in its entirety.
The Riežupe River flows through the Natura 2000-protected Riežupe Nature Park. The river supports a rich diversity of fish and invertebrate species such as European bullhead, river lamprey, brook lamprey, Eurasian otter, thick-shelled river mussel, as well as woodpecker species and Eurasian pygmy owl.
However, it is hindered by a crumbling concrete obstacle near its confluence with the Venta River. Removing the obstacle would restore full connectivity of the Riežupe River, which is otherwise free of barriers.
This intervention would not only reopen the river for migratory species but also contribute significantly to the protection and restoration of one of the Natura 2000 site’s key habitats – fast-flowing river rapids.
The Riežupe River also plays a crucial role in sustaining valuable fish populations, acting as an important spawning ground for numerous species and offering essential habitat for a variety of waterbirds.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: demolition |
| Country | Latvia |
| River | Riežupe |
| Removal date | Autumn 2026 |
| Km to be opened | 72 km |
| Focal species | European bullhead, river lamprey, brook lamprey, Eurasian otter, thick-shelled river mussel |
| Organisation | Pasaules Dabas Fonds |
| Website | pdf.org |
Because the project’s team has already been working with both the local municipality and the local community, there is a strong opportunity to engage stakeholders and raise awareness about free-flowing rivers and their ecological importance.
Furthermore, the remaining concrete blocks near the culturally significant Riežupe sand caves will soon become the river’s sole remaining barrier, as the problematic culvert at the confluence with the Venta River is already being addressed by the municipality and will be fully reconstructed by the time this project is implemented.
By removing these blocks, the project’s team will restore the natural flow of the Riežupe, eliminating the final man-made obstruction and transforming it into a truly free-flowing river, significantly enhancing fish migration and overall ecological connectivity.
A problematic culvert at the river’s mouth is already being reconstructed, but this nearby barrier, located just 600 metres upstream, remains unaddressed. Once removed, the project will restore ecological connectivity in this important river stretch, ensuring the effectiveness of the culvert works and enhancing the health of the entire river system.
The aim is to secure favourable migration routes and spawning habitats for salmonid fish and lampreys, while also preserving suitable conditions for the thick-shelled river mussel. The removal of the concrete barrier will also contribute to the non-degradation of the ecological status defined by the WFD.
One of the main outcomes will also be community engagement – the local community has already been involved in supporting other projects at the Riežupe River, so the project’s team is building on this momentum.
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