Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer

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Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer


Factsheet: Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer

General
Country ES
River Name Segre
Site Name Segre - Improvement of aquatic habitat of Segre River at Alòs de Balaguer
River Characterisation
    River typology
    Location (Lat Lon) 41.9097508553499, 0.990228652954102
    Altitude mid-altitude: 200 - 800 m
    Catchment area very large: > 10000 km2
    Geology Calcareous
    National code/
    River type name
    26 de montaña húmeda calcárea
    Hydromorphological quality elements

    Biological quality elements
    Ecosystem Services
    EU Directives
    Pressures
    Measures
    Other
    Project size km
    Approximate costs 100 000 - 1 000 000 Euros
    Synergy Potential effect on flooding control, improvement of solid sediments transport and improvement of fish populations
    Status Realised
    Period of realization
    Evaluation Hydromorphological and ecological changes
    Implemented by City of Alòs de Balaguer, Agencia Catalana de l'Aigua (Water Agency of Catalonia) and Societat de Pescadors d'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

    Related Pressures