Thanks to continued support from the Open Rivers Programme, a new restoration project will remove two barriers on the Wołczenica River and one on the Sławęcinka River. This will open 47 kilometres of free-flowing water for fish and other aquatic wildlife. The intervention will halt harmful riverbed erosion, bring back more natural river flows, and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change.
Project Area
The Wołczenica and Sławęcinka rivers are part of the Szczecin Lagoon and Odra River system in the eastern Oder Delta. This lagoon is an important nursery and spawning ground where young fish grow before moving into larger waters. The rivers feeding into it are vital “escape routes” for fish, particularly important following recent pollution events in the Odra that have degraded other habitats.
Removing barriers will reconnect these rivers, improve hydrological functioning, and demonstrate how relatively small, targeted actions can make a big difference. These efforts also raise awareness among local communities about importance of healthy, connected rivers and support Poland’s work under the EU Nature Restoration Law.
Context and Opportunity
Earlier studies identified more than ten barriers in the area. Three of them have now been chosen for removal. The process involves carefully dismantling old concrete structures that block the rivers and replacing them with natural gravel beds. This not only improves water flow but also creates better places for plants and fish to thrive.
Specialists are monitoring the rivers to choose the right timing and methods for removal, ensuring the changes benefit while avoiding unintended impacts.
Goals and Expected Outcomes
The longterm vision of Rewilding Oder Delta is to restore over 200 km of river streams across the region. Removing barriers is a key step in reconnecting rivers and enabling fish to move freely under a wide range of water conditions.
- Wołczenica River: Once the barriers are gone, aquatic species such as sea trout and river lamprey will be able to reach their traditional spawning grounds again. The river is also one of the last places where lamprey larvae are found year-round, making it especially important to keep connected. In total, 37 km of river will be reopened.
- Sławęcinka River: Removing a single barrier will open up a 10 km stretch of clean, high quality river habitat. This area is rich in gravel beds and aquatic vegetation, making it an ideal place for fish to spawn and grow.
Together, these actions will improve conditions for migratory fish, restore healthier river ecosystems, and increase the landscape’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
