Gota river
General information
Project title: Homing Ark / Migratory Fish in the Göta and Nordre Rivers
Country: Sweden
River Basin: Göta älv and Nordre älv
Lead organization/authority: Kungälvs kommun
Involved organizations: Swedish Anglers Association and Lilla Edet kommun
Project stage: Initial state
Project summary
The project aims to strengthen the reestablishment of sturgeon in the Göta and Nordre rivers by relocating the mobile facility "The Ark" to a historical place Fästningsholmen in Kungälv, near a 700-year-old fortress. The Sturgeons will be reared beside their home river and, later, released in the river. In the project we will conduct habitat studies with telemetry equipment and monitor the pattern of Sturgeons in their habitat. We will carry out an inauguration of the Ark on Fästningsholmen. Furthermore, we will carry out several release events of Sturgeons during the project.
A fauna passage could be possible on the island Inlandsön located in the river near Lilla Edet and a feasibility study for a fish passage in Lilla Edet will be conducted. Project is well timed due to the planning of a major infrastructure project – the building of a new lock, which will raise the need for compensatory measures in general in the main river.
Partners in the project is Kungälv municipality as project owner, Lilla Edets municipality and Swedish Anglers Association
Project facts
Location
Göta älv from Lilla Edets municipality and southward to the outlet of Göta river and Nordre river (About 15 km from the sea, where the town of Kungälv is situated, The Göta river system is divided into two river-arms. The northern river-arm is named Nordre river.)
Target Species
Sturgeon, salmon, sea lamprey
Key Focus
Rearing and release of sturgeon in Göta- and Nordre älv, monitoring habitat and analyze the movement of sturgeons. Conduct a feasibility study regarding a fish passage by the Lilla Edet Hydropower plant, a major connectivity barrier in the river.
Actions and outcomes
Relocation of The Ark, including emptying, disinfection, and moved to a new location in Kungälv.
The baby sturgeons will be reared in the Ark and the new location will let them live in Göta river from the very first beginning. Once big enough they will be released in the river.
Monitoring using telemetry and habitat analysis. To deepen the knowledge about the river the sturgeons will be tagged and analysed how they are behaving in the habitat and how future restauration will affect the sturgeons.
Feasibility study for Lilla Edet (consultant work). A very important background for the possible fauna passage around the dam in Lilla Edet. This fauna passage is of uttermost importance for the longitudinal connectivity-
Capacity-building activities and public engagement. Late summer 2026, spring 2027, summer 2027, spring 2028, summer 2028. Includes capacity building campaign with the local angler clubs with the purpose of higher reporting success of occurrence of sea lampreys, as well as deeper understanding of the biodiversity in the river. This action also includes seeking dialogue with the hydro power plant Vattenfall.
Additional information
Quotes:
“Getting the Sturgeons back home and reclaiming the habitat of Göta- and Nordre älv – finding a way to restore a historical ecosystem while preserving production and trade in a sustainable way”
