Rewilding the Ina river for a cleaner Baltic Sea

The Szczecin Lagoon its surroundings is one of the most polluted parts of the Baltic Sea, contributing to the latter’s eutrophication. A number of small rivers in the Oder Basin discharge directly into the lagoon (especially the Gowienica and Ina rivers). Major ecological problems are related to pollution caused by agriculture but also by illegal wastewater discharge. Moreover, the regulation of rivers has led to a decrease in self-cleaning capacities.

With an action–oriented approach, Rewilding Oder Delta e.V. will start to implement and test restoration measures on the Ina river.

 With a total length of 129 km and a catchment area of 2,130 km², the Ina is one of the larger

rivers and a relevant polluter with a direct link to the Szczecin Lagoon. The project will showcase effective restoration measures on a 17 km long section of the river and on 50 ha of floodplains, which improve the status of endangered habitats and species while reducing pollution through the improvement of self-cleaning capabilities.

The larger aim is to have 1,000 ha of floodplains put under Natura 2000 protection, as the borders of the Natura 2000 area at the Ina river currently proposed by the authorities are not very ambitious and focus mainly on the riverbed. The project will demonstrate cost-effective solutions for the restoration of floodplains and thus promote a significantly larger protected area.

Project Goals:

1. Restoration of the Ina river between Goleniów and Stargard
2. Ensuring that the whole Ina river and its valley become a Natura 2000 site
3. Reduction of the pressure from angling and kayaking activities

 Activities

Restoration of the Ina river:

• Construction of one gravel prism and restoration of the natural river morphology
• Replantation of shadow trees
• Protection of spawning areas for migrating fish at selected sites

 Achieving Natura 2000 status:

• Inventory of key protected habitats and species
• Supporting the inclusion of floodplains/buffer zones in the Natura 2000 designation process

 Reduction of pressure from angling and kayaking:

• Information of the public about the ecological sensitivity of the area
• Small-scale infrastructure to avoid negative impacts from leisure activities

Impressions: