Improving the conservation status of endangered freshwater fish species that are endangered or in unfavourable-bad conservation status in Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia Counties

ongoing

The ReFresh Fish LIFE project addresses the critical conservation challenges threatening five endemic and endangered freshwater fish species in Croatia’s Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia Counties. These species—Knipowitschia mrakovcici, Phoxinellus dalmaticus, Aulopyge huegelii, Telestes tursky, and Phoxinellus alepidotus—are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and assessed as having an unfavourable conservation status (U1 or U2) at the EU biogeographical level. All five species are restricted to a few river systems and face intense pressures from alien and invasive alien species (IAS), pollution, hydrological alterations, habitat fragmentation, and knowledge gaps in their ecological requirements. The project is implemented within four key Natura 2000 sites: Šire područje NP Krka (HR2000918), Čikola (HR2000919), Vrba (HR2001266), and Srednji tok Cetine s Hrvatačkim i Sinjskim poljem (HR2001313). Together, these sites host 100% of the global populations of three of the targeted species and a major share of the other two. The project will directly tackle the degradation of these freshwater ecosystems and the loss of native biodiversity through a comprehensive set of conservation actions. Project Objectives: 1. Improve the conservation status of endangered and critically endangered freshwater fish species by controlling alien and invasive alien fish species across four Natura 2000 sites. 2. Restore degraded habitats, including riparian vegetation, submerged ecosystems, and natural flow conditions, while enhancing the ecological knowledge base to support evidence-based conservation. 3. Prevent future introductions and spread of IAS through specific measures (e.g., electro-barriers) and stakeholder engagement. 4. Build institutional capacity and strengthen the long-term management of Natura 2000 sites by equipping local public institutions and rangers with tools, training, and guidelines. 5. Establish comprehensive monitoring of ecological and socio-economic impacts to evaluate the effectiveness of actions, ensuring adaptive project management. 6. Promote awareness and engagement among recreational fishers, farmers, school children, and the general public, building a shared understanding of freshwater biodiversity and threats posed by alien and invasive alien species. Expected Results: • Removal of alien and invasive alien fish species through selective electrofishing and stakeholder-led fishing campaigns, significantly reducing their biomass in critical habitats. • Installation of electric barriers at key invasion routes to block further dispersal of IAS into sensitive zones. • Restoration of riparian vegetation and collection of underwater waste to rehabilitate key spawning and refuge areas. • Empowered public institutions managing the Natura 2000 sites through training, vehicles, boats, and surveillance systems to ensure continuous site protection. • Knowledge increased and tools developed to inform long-term site management plans and national biodiversity policy. • Communication materials, school workshops, field demonstrations, and campaigns reaching a wide audience to foster behavioural change