Protect Fish

Purpose
ProtectFish is an EU-funded research project under Horizon Europe that aims to improve the conservation of threatened freshwater fish species by filling key data gaps, testing protection measures in the field, and supporting science-based river management. A central focus is the interaction between fish populations and increasing predation pressure, notably the cormorant–grayling conflict in European rivers.

Current status
European freshwater ecosystems are among the most degraded in the EU, facing cumulative pressures from barriers, pollution, habitat alteration and predation. ProtectFish is actively conducting EU-wide field studies, monitoring fish and cormorant populations, and assessing existing conservation and management measures, supported by extensive stakeholder dialogue and an External Advisory Board.

Outlook & EAA involvement
The EAA is actively involved in ProtectFish, contributing its policy expertise, stakeholder network and practical fisheries knowledge through its participating lobby & advocacy partners Alienor and Jan Kappel. EAA supports the development of balanced, feasible and science-based management recommendations that reconcile fish conservation objectives with ecosystem realities and socio-economic considerations. The project’s outcomes will feed directly into EU and national policy discussions on river biodiversity, species protection and sustainable freshwater management.