RiverLIFE

Protecting stone crayfish and restoring river continuity in Bulgaria

The LIFE project “Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems” (101213136 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-RiverLIFE)  aims to protect the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium), a sensitive species that inhabits clear, headwater streams, which are crucial for maintaining river habitat quality and ecosystem health. The project addresses major threats, including habitat fragmentation, insufficient knowledge on population status, and limited stream management capacity, which have contributed to the species’ decline.

A central element of the project is identifying and removing obsolete barriers such as abandoned weirs, ramps, and culverts that disrupt river connectivity and restrict crayfish movement. The project plans to remove 30 barriers along the Tundzha and Stryama river basins, Bulgaria. The BRF leads the barrier mapping and assessment using the Barrier Tracker app to prioritize effective and cost-efficient removals. These efforts aim to restore over 83 km of river continuity, improving habitats and enabling natural crayfish migration.

In addition to barrier removal, RiverLIFE restores riparian zones to improve lateral habitat quality and supports population recovery through captive breeding and restocking of at least 500 juvenile crayfish. The project combines advanced monitoring techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys and innovative visual tools to engage stakeholders and enhance public understanding. By combining habitat restoration, barrier mitigation, and community involvement, RiverLIFE works to reverse declines in stone crayfish populations and foster resilient, thriving river ecosystems.

Partners include: Fortis Visio Ltd., the Science for Nature Foundation, the Blue Rivers Foundation, the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, and the Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Coordinated by Fortis Visio Ltd., the partnership will work to restore river connectivity, rebuild habitats, and support long-term species recovery.