Project Refresh-Fish-LIFE

Project name:
Improving the conservation status of endangered freshwater fish species that are endangered or in unfavourable-bad conservation status in Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia Counties

LIFE24-NAT-HR-Refresh-Fish-LIFE/101216203

Project duration: 60 months (1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030)

Total project value: EUR 4,048,272.24

EU co-financing: 75%

Coordinator: Public Institute of Krka National Park

Partners:

• Public Institute for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in Šibenik-Knin County More i krš
• Public Institution Nature of Šibenik-Knin County
• Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (PMF)
• Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition – Environmental Protection and Nature Department

Associated partners:

• Krka Sports Fishing Club, Knin
• Croatian Waters

Project description:

The project ReFresh Fish LIFE addresses key challenges that threaten the conservation of five endemic and endangered freshwater fish species in Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia Counties. These species – the Visovac goby (Knipowitschia mrakovcici), Dalmatian minnow (Phoxinellus dalmaticus), Dalmatian barbelgudgeon (Aulopyge huegelii), Tursky’s dace (Telestes turskyi) and Dinaric minnow (Phoxinellus alepidotus) – are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, and have been assessed as having an unfavourable conservation level (U1 or U2) at the EU biogeographic level.

All five species are limited to just a handful of river systems, and face intensive pressures due to alien and invasive species, pollution, hydrological changes, habitat fragmentation, and a lack of data about their ecological requirements. The project is to be carried out within four key Natura 2000 areas: Broader area of Krka National Park (HR2000918), Čikola River (HR2000919), Vrba River (HR2001266) and the Central course of the Cetina River with the Hrvatačko Polje and Sinjsko Polje fields (HR2001313). Together, these areas are home to 100% of the global population of three of these target species, and the majority of the population of the remaining two species. The project will directly tackle the issues of pollution of these freshwater ecosystems and the loss of native biodiversity through a comprehensive set of conservation measures.

Project aims:

• Improve the conservation status of threatened and critically endangered freshwater fish species by controlling alien and invasive fish species in four Natura 2000 areas
• Restore degraded habitats, including riparian vegetation, submerged ecosystems, and natural water flows, while also improving the ecological base of knowledge to support evidence-based protection
• Prevent the introduction and spread of alien and invasive species with specific measures (e.g., electrobarriers) and stakeholder engagement
• Build institutional capacities and strengthen long-term management in Natura 2000 areas by equipping local public institutions and rangers with tools, training, and the adoption of guidelines
• Establish comprehensive monitoring of ecological and socioeconomic impacts to assess the efficacy of actions, ensuring adaptability of project management
• Raise awareness and stimulate the engagement of recreational fishers, farmers, schoolchildren, and the general public, by building a common understanding of the biodiversity of freshwater and threats posed by alien and invasive species.

Expected results:

• The removal of alien and invasive foreign fish species using selective electrofishing and fishing campaigns led by stakeholders, with a significant reduction of their biomass in critical habitats
• Setting up electric barriers on key invasion routes to block the further spread of alien invasive species in sensitive zones
• Restoration of riparian vegetation and the removal of waste from the riverbed to rehabilitate key areas for spawning and shelter
• Strengthening public institutions that manage Natura 2000 areas with training, vehicles, vessels and surveillance systems to ensure ongoing protection of the areas
• Greater knowledge and developed tools for disseminating information about long-term plans to manage protected areas, and national biodiversity protection policies
• Communicational materials, school workshops, field demonstrations, and campaigns that reach out to the general public to encourage changes in human behaviour.

 

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