The Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems, with the short name RiverLIFE project (101213136 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-RiverLIFE), is a seven-year nature conservation initiative, funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union, aimed at protecting the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) in Bulgaria. Although small and not well known, the stone crayfish plays a vital role in the health of river ecosystems. As a keystone species, it helps maintain balance in the food chain and supports biodiversity. Its decline is a warning sign that freshwater habitats are under serious threat.
More than 75% of crayfish populations in Bulgaria are in poor condition. Their habitats are increasingly fragmented and degraded as a result of a combination of human activities that alter the natural dynamics of rivers. One of the primary causes is the widespread construction of artificial barriers, including small dams, weirs, culverts, and other transverse structures that disrupt the natural flow of water, prevent species migration, and isolate populations. These barriers not only obstruct the movement of stone crayfish and other aquatic species but also interfere with the transport of sediment, nutrients, and organic matter, which are essential for healthy river ecosystems. In addition, pollution from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial activities further deteriorates water quality, making many river stretches unsuitable for sensitive species. The impacts are further compounded by climate change, which alters precipitation patterns, increases the frequency of extreme weather events, and leads to warmer water temperatures and reduced oxygen levels. Without urgent action, these populations could disappear entirely.
RiverLIFE addresses these challenges through practical and science-based solutions. One of its main goals is to restore river flow by removing at least 30 obsolete barriers, reconnecting 83 kilometres of streams and allowing wildlife to move freely again. The project will also restore riverbank forests, which will help improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide better habitat for the crayfish.
Main Objectives of the RiverLIFE Project
- Restore river connectivity by reconnecting 26 hectares of key stone crayfish habitats.
- Increase the abundance of the stone crayfish to at least 10 individuals / 100 m² in at least three key locations for the species.
- Raise awareness of the species’ conservation status among stakeholders and local communities.
- Build capacity and strengthen international cooperation for stone crayfish protection.
Conservation Activities
- Improve longitudinal continuity by removing at least 30 transverse barriers, thereby reconnecting 83 km of stone crayfish habitat.
- Improve lateral habitats by revegetating 8 km of riparian habitats (1.6 ha in total) with native trees and plants.
- Improved ecological status in at least one of the target river catchments.
- Reinforce three small populations with at least 500 individuals.
- Assess the success of population reinforcement over a 3-year period using genetic tagging of released individuals.
Communication and Education Activities
- Enhance environmental education and promote a deeper understanding of biodiversity conservation.
- Engage the public through interactive, nature-based experiences.
- Increase stakeholder and community knowledge about the status of the stone crayfish.
- Develop an inventory database of barriers by surveying at least 100 obstacles and identifying major impediments for the species in the target areas.
- Initiate the development of a genetic database for the stone crayfish.
Geographical Scope
Natura 2000 sites: Central Balkan – Buffer (BG0001493), Central Balkan (BG0000494), Sredna Gora (BG0001389), Koprinka Reservoir (BG0000261), Striama River (BG0000429), Tundzha River 1 (BG0000192)
Project Partners
Coordinating Beneficiary: Fortis Visio
Associated Beneficiaries:
- Science for Nature Foundation
- Blue Rivers Foundation (Netherlands)
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research
- Institute of Fishery and Aquaculture
Duration
01 June 2025 – 01 June 2032
Budget
Total Budget: €5,166,186.44 | EU Contribution: €3,874,639.85