Mejora ecológica de la red fluvial Natura 2000 en el Golfo de Bizkaia

Introduction

LIFE KANTAURIBAI targets the improvement of conservation status of species and habitats linked to the fluvial ecosystem in the rivers and tributaries that flow into the Bay of Biscay. This initiative spans 5 river catchments shared among 3 regions of 2 countries (Spain & France):

1. Oria and Urumea (shared by Navarra & Gipuzkoa)
2. La Nive & La Nivelle (shared by Navarra & Aquitaine)
3. Bidasoa (shared by the 3 regions)

Background

All these rivers share the same problems, mainly river fragmentation due to the presence of obstacles that lead to a poor conservation status of species and habitats. Additionally, mortality of key species is caused by anthropic activities (hydropower plants and roads) or invasive alien species (IAS).

This proposal targets the amelioration of those problems through ecological restoration of river connectivity and elimination of mortality causes as a way to improve the conservation status of species and habitats linked to the fluvial ecosystem in 15 N2000 sites.

Target Species and Habitats

Target species include:

• Diadromous fish (Salmon, Lamprey, Shad, and Eel)
• Margaritifera
• Pyrenean Desman
• European Mink

The main target habitat is the Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (habitat 91E0*).

Proposed Actions

This will be done through:

• Elimination and permeabilisation of 30 obstacles.
• Reduction of main threats to Atlantic salmon (umbrella species for diadromous fish): river discontinuity and impact from hydropower plants.
• Improvement of conservation status of Margaritifera.
• Improvement of conservation status of Galemys pyrenaicus and Mustela lutreola by enhancing the connectivity of their populations and reducing mortality causes: roads and IAS.
• Control/eradication of IAS (American mink, coypu, muskrat, and invasive flora) that affect conservation of target species and habitats.
• Installation of automated monitoring systems for migratory fish.
• Establishment of an International Working Group for coordination and management of migratory fish species between the 3 regions (2 countries) through which the Bidasoa basin flows.