Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer
Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer
Key features of the case study
The project comprises improvement of river and riparian habitats, wildlife population, water quality, control of shore and bank erosion and improvement of the reach landscape. Hydromorphological features were treated with special emphasis.
Site description
This site is affected by flow regulation and reduction, past extraction of aggregates, agricultural land use that has invaded the river space, forestry use and logging at the riparian zone. Among wildlife species we can find :Barbus barbus, Cyprinus carpio, Anguila anguila, Ardea puerpuera, Neophoron percnopterus, Bubo bubo, Alcedo atthis, Hieraetus fasciatus, Lutra lutra. riparian vegetation is composed by white poplar, willow, gall and Chenopodium rubri.
Measures selection
Proposed measures have been planned based on detailed data of transects depth, flow analysis and other indicators. The actions are considered appropriate since they aim to recover hydromorphological functionality, such as addition of sediment, morphological modification,etc.
Success criteria
Both post project evaluation and monitoring include several indicators about fish population, riparian forest, physical-chemical water parameters, river hydromorphology (topographic profiles, flows, etc.).
Ecological response
Positive responses have been observed on spawning areas and fish communities, aside from improvements on riparian forest.
Hydromorphological response
The appearance and functionality of hydromorphological features indicate a marked improvement of river dynamics.
Monitoring before and after implementation of the project
Channel and riparian morphology was studied in several river transects to evaluate the river status before the implementation of the project. A guiding image was elaborated employing historical aerial photgraphs. Post - project monitoring was done during periodical visits to the site for morphological change evaluation, and plantations rate of survival.
Socio-economic aspects
Gaining space for the river has enhanced the potential for flood control. Also, solid sediment transport has been improved due to the addition of sediments. This can lead to a redution on channel incision downstream from the site.
Project costs
Around 93.400€ were provided to improve river morphodynamics, 54.873€ to ecological improvement of riparian forest and 26.000€ for other expenses such as maintenance,monitoring and site management (these costs correspond to the material implementation of the project, without VAT). This project is included in the grants for riparian conservation and recovery of the Catalan Water Agency, 2008
Contact person within the organization
City[1] and Fishermen's Society[2] of Alòs de Balaguer
www.ccnoguera.cat/alosbalaguer/
www.pescalos.org/
Extra background information
References
Related Measures
- Add/feed sediment
- Remeander water courses
- Narrow water courses
- Recreate gravel bar and riffles
- Develop riparian forest
- Reconnect backwaters and wetlands
- Construct semi-natural/articificial wetlands or aquatic habitats
- Other measures
