The Wisłoka: Overcoming barriers on a Polish river

Briefing    |    8 March 2024

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There are over 40,000 barriers along Polish rivers, including dams, weirs, steps and sills. Yet only a small percentage of these have effective fish ladders.
The Wisłoka, a river in south-eastern Poland, used to be a habitat and breeding ground for migratory fish. But the construction of barrages and channel regulation works along the river have led to the extinction of many fish species.

This case study highlights the Wisłoka Without Barriers project, a sustainable approach to river continuity that led to the removal of these barriers, allowing aquatic organisms to swim freely once again.

You can see more case studies on the Supporting biodiversity page.