Removal of two obsolete barriers to restore fish passage and ecological connectivity in the Ruederchen stream in Aargau, Switzerland.
The Ruederchen is a small cold-water tributary of the Suhre River in the canton of Aargau. It flows through a rural landscape and provides habitat for brown trout and other aquatic species. Despite its good ecological potential, the stream is fragmented by artificial barriers that limit fish movement and disrupt natural processes.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: demolition |
| Country | Switzerland |
| River | Ruederchen |
| Removal timeline | 2026 |
| Km to be opened | 1.5 km |
| Focal species | Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) |
| Organisation | Aqua Viva |
| Website | flussfrei.ch & Aqua Viva project page |
At the Ruederchen Winkel 2 site, two obsolete concrete drops block fish migration and disconnect upstream habitats. These barriers no longer serve any functional purpose. Their removal offers a low-cost, high-impact opportunity to restore connectivity. Together with the nearby Ruederchen Winkel 1 project, more than 4 km of stream will be reconnected to the Suhre River.
The project aims to restore fish passage and natural flow by removing two barriers. Around 1.5 km of habitat will be reconnected, improving access to spawning and refuge areas. Nature-based measures will enhance habitat diversity, sediment transport and river dynamics.
Together with the Ruederchen Winkel 1 project, this initiative will contribute to creating a fully connected river section of over 4 km. Expected outcomes include improved biodiversity, stronger fish populations and increased resilience to climate change. The project will also serve as a replicable model for small-scale barrier removal.
Funded by
