Migratory fish are among the most fascinating but also the most endangered animal groups in Europe. Species such as the Huchen, Sturgeon, Barbel and Nase migrate long distances to move between spawning, feeding and resting grounds – but dams, river obstructions and other barriers prevent these migrations. The EU project Danube Lifelines (DLL) aims to change this: the goal is to improve ecological connectivity throughout the Danube basin, thereby connecting habitats, species and people.

DLL is funded under Horizon Europe as part of the ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ mission (duration 2025–2029). Coordinated by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), the project brings together 24 partners and 17 associated organisations from 11 countries, including universities, research institutes, NGOs, public authorities and economic actors. Together, they are developing a ‘Blueprint for Action’ – a Europe-wide framework for action to restore migratory fish populations and their habitats.

The focus is on eight demonstration areas in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. There, nature-based solutions are being tested in practice: the removal of obsolete transverse structures, the reconnection of side arms and tributaries, and the improvement of habitats. These locations also serve as living labs where science, administration, business and civil society work together on sustainable concepts for rivers.

As part of DLL, the Department of Aquatic Ecology at the University of Duisburg-Essen is investigating how reconnection measures affect fish communities, migratory movements and the ecological functionality of rivers. Political and social perspectives are also taken into account – from water management to recreational fishing. In this way, the project is helping to halt the decline of migratory fish species and strengthen rivers as ecological, economic and cultural lifelines.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Daniel Hering, Christian Schlautmann

DANUBElifelines – Let the fish back to the Danube