Implementation of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme project “Fish Reconnect – Cross-border solutions for fish migration, habitat restoration and citizen-based biodiversity data collection” has begun
The aim of the project is to restore fish migration routes and improve aquatic habitats in the Bārta/Bartuva River basin, strengthening river connectivity, ecological continuity and biodiversity in Latvia and Lithuania.
Fish migration in Latvian and Lithuanian rivers is hindered by dams, culverts and other man-made barriers that limit access to spawning and nursery grounds and negatively affect the ecological status of rivers. At the same time, monitoring approaches and available data on fish populations, migration barriers and recreational fishing differ between the two countries, making coordinated cross-border river management more difficult.
The Fish Reconnect project will combine scientific research, practical river restoration measures, digital solutions and public involvement. Fish migration barriers in the Bārta/Bartuva River basin will be identified and assessed, harmonised monitoring methods will be developed, and pilot actions will be implemented to improve river connectivity in Latvia and Lithuania.
The project brings together seven partners from Latvia and Lithuania, combining expertise in science, environmental monitoring, regional development, nature conservation and digital solutions. The Lead Partner is the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” (Latvia). The project partners are the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC, Latvia), Klaipėda University (KU, Lithuania), Kurzeme Planning Region (KPR, Latvia), Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (LLKC, Latvia), Lithuanian Fund for Nature (LFN, Lithuania) and Directorate of Žemaitija Protected Areas (DŽPA, Lithuania).
During the project:
- fish migration barriers in the Bārta/Bartuva River basin will be identified, mapped and prioritised;
- monitoring of fish populations, habitats, water quality and hydromorphological conditions will be carried out;
- pilot actions will be implemented in Latvia and Lithuania to improve fish migration and river ecological connectivity;
- joint methodologies, guidelines and practical solutions for assessing and addressing migration barriers will be developed;
- the digital platform “Mana Cope” will be further developed, enabling citizens to report potential migration barriers;
- educational, public awareness and cross-border knowledge exchange activities will be organised.
As a result of the project, the practical use of the developed solutions for river management and improvement of fish migration in Latvia and Lithuania will be promoted. At the same time, long-term cooperation between project partners and other involved institutions will be strengthened.
Fish Reconnect will contribute to improving the ecological status of rivers, supporting fish migration and preserving biodiversity. The project will provide practical solutions, improve data availability, and promote public awareness and involvement in the protection of river ecosystems.
The project implementation period is from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2028. The total eligible project budget is EUR 1,008,320.83, of which EUR 806,656.66, or 80%, is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), while EUR 201,664.17, or 20%, is provided as partner co-financing.
Information prepared on 15.07.2026.
