Rivers of the LIFE IS SALACA project surveyed again this summer

In June, project experts from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC), the Nature Conservation Agency (NCA) and the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” carried out a repeat survey, or monitoring, of the LIFE IS SALACA project rivers.

This year, the Salaca, Korģe, Svētupe and Glāžupe were surveyed again. Within the project, rapids restoration measures have been carried out on the Salaca, while riparian forests have been managed on the banks of the Korģe and Svētupe.

In total, the experts walked and boated along 60 km of rivers, using the methodology developed within the project. The survey assessed features that characterise the hydromorphological and habitat quality of the rivers and their suitability for fish spawning – for example, the condition of the riverbed and banks, the character of the flow and the composition of aquatic plants. Fish counts were also carried out.

The surveyed rivers of the Salaca sub-basin are very diverse – some shallow and fast-flowing, some wide with rapids, and some deep and muddy. The weather during the surveys was just as varied – from bright sunshine to heavy thunderstorms with hail.

Once the surveys are completed, during the autumn and winter season, the data obtained will be compiled and analysed to assess the ecological and habitat quality of the rivers. The results will provide the first conclusions on the impact and effectiveness of the measures carried out within the project.

Regular monitoring is an essential part of the project, as it makes it possible to follow changes in the ecological quality of the rivers over the long term, assess the results of the work done and plan further nature restoration activities.

The rivers are surveyed in the project every two years. The first survey took place in 2024, and the final monitoring is planned for 2028, shortly before the end of the project.