Fish passes and new habitat on the Danube between Altenwörth and Greifenstein
Sheltered breeding in Altenwörth
12.05.2023 Kirchberg am Wagram, Zwentendorf, Grafenwörth
Along the Altenwörth fish pass, VERBUND asks those seeking recreation in springtime to show consideration towards gravel breeders like the river sandpiper.
Springtime brings the new fish pass at the Danube power plant Altenwörth to life. In addition to the spawning trails of nase, barbel and squalius, the bird world also uses the near-natural bypass river. Gravel breeders lay their eggs directly into the gravel on the flat banks. VERBUND therefore asks for special consideration when out walking in the coming weeks, especially with dogs.
In April of last year, Lower Austria’s longest fish pass was officially opened at the Danube power plant in Altenwörth. In the course of the LIFE Network Danube Plus project, a 12.5 kilometre-long bypass river between the Altenwörth side arm and the Danube was created with significant support from the EU. A diverse landscape was created along this river: deep points, rapids and steep banks alternate with gravelled areas. These areas are used by rare gravel breeders, such as the river sandpiper, to lay their eggs without a nest.
“Nature is developing superbly in all its variety,” says VERBUND project manager Hannes Einfalt. “We there ask everyone seeking recreation in the coming weeks to show consideration to the gravel breeders and in particular not to let their four-legged friends run free on the banks. People and animals could frighten the sensitive birds – that would be especially regrettable at breeding time.”
To draw attention to this, VERBUND has placed information boards along the new fish pass.
In April of last year, Lower Austria’s longest fish pass was officially opened at the Danube power plant in Altenwörth. In the course of the LIFE Network Danube Plus project, a 12.5 kilometre-long bypass river between the Altenwörth side arm and the Danube was created with significant support from the EU. A diverse landscape was created along this river: deep points, rapids and steep banks alternate with gravelled areas. These areas are used by rare gravel breeders, such as the river sandpiper, to lay their eggs without a nest.
“Nature is developing superbly in all its variety,” says VERBUND project manager Hannes Einfalt. “We there ask everyone seeking recreation in the coming weeks to show consideration to the gravel breeders and in particular not to let their four-legged friends run free on the banks. People and animals could frighten the sensitive birds – that would be especially regrettable at breeding time.”
To draw attention to this, VERBUND has placed information boards along the new fish pass.
LIFE Network Danube Plus
