LIFE for Houting (Coregonus oxyrinchus*) and other threatened fish and bird species in and along the Danish River Kongeå

Introduction

This project concerns one N-2000 site (DK009X060; Vadehavet – Ribe Holme) in the Wadden Sea Marsh in the Atlantic biogeographical region in relation to Directive 1992/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EEC. The focus is on improving the conservation status of a number of designated fish species as well as designated waders and meadow birds. The project concerns the River Kongå estuary and is presented by the Esbjerg Municipality in Denmark.

Project Scope

The project considers the extensification of 644 ha of intensive farmland, including the restoration of approximately 8 km of River Kongeå in the Wadden Sea catchment and its river valley. This will benefit:

1. Houting (Coregonus oxyrinchus*)
2. Lampreys
3. Salmon

The restoration involves the entire river valley with the aim of restoring suitable habitats for seven designated and endangered species of waders and meadow birds. In addition, the restoration will benefit designated insects and amphibians.

Habitat Management

The habitats are secured by active predation control, ensuring the best possible survival for the designated species.

Alignment with National Plans

The project initiatives are in line with the current aim of the national N-2000 plans and N-2000 action plans. Complementary EU funds will also be used.

Stakeholders

The project is presented by the local Danish environmental authority EK (Coo) and four associated Danish parties that are central stakeholders for project implementation.

Management and Sustainability

The Danish Nature Foundation will own the majority of the project site and be responsible for the future management of the entire project site to secure future management and sustainability of the project results.

Population Support

In addition, the population of Houting (C. oxyrinchus*) will be assisted by a stocking program to ensure a self-reproducing and sustainable population in the end.

Replication Strategy

A replication strategy will ensure that knowledge and experience from this project will be implemented elsewhere in the Danish Wadden Sea catchment to benefit the targeted species, as well as upscaling with Dutch and German projects.