The LIFE Project “Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems” Has Officially Started

Last week, more than ten experts from Fortis Visio Ltd.,  the Science for Nature Foundation, Blue Rivers Foundation (The Netherlands), the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, and the Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture gathered in the town of Kalofer for the kick off meeting of the LIFE project “Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems,” known as “River LIFE” (101213136 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-RiverLIFE).

The meeting marks the beginning of an inspiring seven-year collaboration dedicated to the conservation of the stone crayfish and the improvement of the ecological status of parts of the river ecosystems in Bulgaria.  The project is coordinated by Fortis Visio Ltd. in partnership with the Science for Nature Foundation, Blue Rivers Foundation (The Netherlands), the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, and the Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

During the meeting, the team visited key sites along the Tundzha and Stryama river basins, where major conservation actions will be carried out. Alongside the field visits, partners discussed the main objectives, challenges, and methodological approaches that will guide the work during the first project’s year, a period that is critical for planning and ensuring the smooth start of all activities.

The project “Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems” (No. 101213136 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-RiverLIFE) is funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. It aims 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.

One of RiverLIFE’s 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. To directly support the species, RiverLIFE includes a breeding program to raise and release young crayfish in carefully selected river areas. This effort will help boost population numbers and ensure genetic diversity. The project also places strong emphasis on education and community involvement.

The target areas are in Central Bulgaria, focusing on the upper catchments of the Stryama and Tundzha rivers. These rivers connect two major mountain ranges — the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora — and act as key biodiversity corridors. Improving their ecological health benefits not only the crayfish but also many other species and the communities that depend on clean, free-flowing rivers.

The meeting was held within the framework of the project “Conservation of the stone crayfish for reviving the river ecosystems” (No. 101213136 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-RiverLIFE), co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE programme. The views and opinions expressed, however belong solely to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or CINEA. Neither the EU, nor the granting authority LIFE Programme can be held responsible for them.