The Wupper blossomed: 30 fish species return to our river

The Wupper blossomed: 30 fish species return to our river

The Wupper, once known as a "black river", has experienced a remarkable change in recent decades. Thanks to targeted measures to improve the water quality and renaturation of river sections, around 30 different fish species live in the Wupper, including remarkable varieties such as salmon, brown trout and gravity. This positive development is the result of years of efforts by the nature conservation associations, the municipalities and industry.

The history of the Wupper goes back to a time when the river was heavily dirty by more than 150 years of industrialization. In the 1980s, the Wupper was considered almost fish -free, and local children did not cover up with the water on hot summer days, but dampen, but softly rose from the highly contaminated river. The last salmon was seen as early as 1830 - this says a lot about the condition of the water at the time.

successful renaturation projects

One of the main actors for the positive change in the Wupper was the Wupperverband, which significantly expanded the sewage treatment plants in the region. These measures have not only improved water quality, but also led to an increase in biodiversity. Smaller weirs were removed and fish ascents were created to give the fish access to other habitats. Renaturation projects on drives for the Wupper, such as the Murbach in Leichlingen, which have been put back in a natural state since 2020, were particularly important.

in the middle run of the Wupper, which extends from Rönsahl to Leichlingen, eels are currently the type of guide. Accompanying fish such as brown trout, barben and salmon also find a new home here. In the lower reaches from Leichlingen to the mouth of the Rhine, it is primarily barbel that prevail while perch and pike are also common in the waters.

types of hiking fish in focus

In order to resettle hiking fish such as salmon and sea trout in the Wupper, complex projects were launched. The Salmonid Bruthaus on the Dhünn in Schlebusch plays a central role in these efforts, for example by enabling the rearing of larvae, which are then released into the wupper. The Wupperverband puts great hopes in the continuation of this work and in the support of volunteers from various fishing clubs.

The progress in the renaturation is remarkable, but the Wupperverband and the actors involved are aware that the challenges have not yet been mastered. The establishment of the hiking fish program in North Rhine-Westphalia will be crucial to secure and expand the Wupper as a habitat for endangered hiking fish in the long term.

A look into the future

Developments on the Wupper are an encouraging sign of what can be achieved through community action and serious commitment. In today's world, in which environmental issues are becoming increasingly pressing into focus, it is important to consider such success as an incentive for other waters and regions. The return of the fish species into the Wupper not only shows how nature can be cured, but also that sustainable concepts for water maintenance and restoration are of crucial importance in order to maintain the biological wealth of our waters.

renaturation projects and their effects

The renaturation of the Wupper is not only an ecological necessity, but also an important example of the success of community environmental projects. In particular, the removal of weirs and the creation of fish rises have a significant impact on the resettlement of the fish species. These measures enable fish to continue their natural hikes and to receive access to reproductive areas. In several reports, the Wupperverband has pointed out that these infrastructure improvements are crucial for the recovery of fish stocks.

As part of the project, emphasis was also placed on the integration of the local population. Volunteers from fishing associations and nature conservation groups have actively participated in renaturation work, which not only contributed to increased water quality, but also strengthens awareness of nature conservation in the region.

meaning of the fish species for the ecosystem

The variety of fish species in the Wupper is of great importance for the local ecosystem. Fish like the salmon and sea trout are important indicators of the water quality and health of the entire water. Their presence signals that the ecosystem has regenerated and that the conditions for other animal and plant species have also been improved. In addition, healthy fish stocks contribute to the stability of the food network in and around the water.

fish are also culturally and economically important. Sports fishermen and recreational athletes benefit from a revitalized river, which in turn supports the local business. The combination of environmental protection and economic benefit is increasingly regarded as a sustainable model that could also stimulate other regions for imitation

long -term perspectives and challenges

The long -term health of the Wupper and the survival of the hiking fish species depend on continuing efforts to improve water quality and to maintain the habitat. Despite the progress achieved, increasing urbanization and the influence of climate change remains a serious challenge. These factors can negatively influence the amount of water, quality and biological conditions.

The Wupperverband is aware of this risks and actively works on strategies to minimize both natural and anthropogenic influences. Projects for the protection of the riverswork, to reduce pollutant entries and to clarify the population are part of a comprehensive plan that will continue to preserve the Wupper as a living waters in the future.