We are launching a new project to map and assess river barriers in the Prespa Lake catchment, with a vision of restoring natural river flows and improving conditions for the survival of the endangered Prespa trout.
The project focuses on the rivers Golema Reka, Leva Reka, Brajchinska, Kranska, Kurbinska and Istochka Reka, which flow into the Great Prespa Lake. These rivers are important habitats for Prespa’s rich biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Prespa trout (Salmo peristericus).
Numerous small barriers, including irrigation structures, cascades, outdated water management infrastructure and small hydropower facilities, obstruct fish movement and fragment their habitats. So far, no comprehensive assessment of these barriers has been conducted in the Macedonian part of the Prespa Lake catchment from the perspective of their potential future removal and the restoration of natural river flows.
Therefore, as part of the project, around 80 kilometres of river stretches will be surveyed, a database of barriers will be developed, and their impacts, removal potential and potential benefits for nature will be assessed. The goal is to identify priority barriers for future restoration activities, with a particular focus on improving habitats for the Prespa trout.
A key partner in the implementation of the project will be the Civil Engineering Institute Macedonia (CEIM), whose decades of experience in hydrotechnical engineering and water infrastructure will contribute to the effective achievement of the project’s objectives.
The project is funded through the Open Rivers Programme.
