Strengthening the protection of Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout Wild Spawning in Northwest Poland

Summary

Intensive poaching activities in this area of the Baltic Sea and its southern catchment have resulted in a considerable degree of destruction to the ecosystem and its rivers. A lack of environmental awareness across this region further exacerbates the problem, since many locals are unaware of the impacts of buying poached fish.

The project aimed to strengthen the ecological stability of the Baltic Sea’s southern catchment by ensuring greater reproductive success of wild salmon and sea trout, which will help improve salmonid fish populations in the Western Pomeranian region. With the assistance of volunteers, the project focused on creating new spawning grounds as well as education and increasing environmental awareness of local citizens in Poland. This will help reduce fish poaching as well as strengthen volunteer activities focused on the protection of endangered fish species and river ecosystems.

Important results from the project include (apart from educational activities) habitat improvement works in the Ina river, organizing 25 points of permanent protection for spawning grounds , 147 anti-poaching patrols capturing 18 poachers and educating 112 anglers, releasing 115 fish from illegal nets and gathering 247 items of illegal fishing gear.