Improve River LIFE - Improving degree of conservation of Natura 2000 target species and habitat types through improvement of river connectivity

Expected results:

• removal of at least three barriers on the Vrljika River and re-establishment of connectivity at least 7.5 km of the flow

• removal of at least three barriers on the Jadro River and re-establishment of connectivity on at least 2 km of the stream

• restored and maintained coastal belt of riparian vegetation with autochthonous species (along 5.300 m of the Vrljika River and along 800 m the Jadro River)

• reduction of the area occupied by foreign fish species on a river stretch of 9 km: removal and control of rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss) in the Jadro River, and removal and control of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and pike (Esox lucius) and other recorded invasive alien species (Lepomis gibbosus, Cyprinus carpio) in the Vrljika River

• increasing the effective population size of the target species soft-moutheded trout, from 1.500 individuals to 2.000 in the Jadro River and from 600 individuals to 2.000 in the Vrljika River, so that both populations reach habitat capacity

• a farmers' manual will be developed that will include training materials, practical examples for moving towards sustainability, information on certification processes and their main stakeholders, funding and marketing opportunities

• a national database of artificial water barriers will be developed, and a list of priority sites for reconstruction by removing or ensuring the flowability will be created, as well as guidelines for the implementation of removal or adaptation measures

All publications will be publicly available.