Swedish EAA member Sportfiskarna has recently launched a new EU-funded project aiming at re-establishing the grayling population in the Swedish river Lagan, which disappeared in the mid-1900s. The project, running until 2027, involves genetic analysis and the introduction of grayling from different populations to improve biodiversity and adaptability.
Swedish Anglers play a role in conservation and re-introduction of an iconic species such as Grayling
After decades of absence, the Swedish angling & fishing federation and EAA member
Sportfiskarna is taking the initiative to re-establish the grayling population in the Southern Swedish river Lagan within the framework of their newest project
“Sagan om harrens återkomst” (The Return of the Grayling).With support from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) the project is now planned to introduce the grayling to the Lagan, with the hope of creating a sustainable reproducing stock in the future. This restoration and reintroduction project started early 2024 and will run until 2027.
The last grayling population in Lagan river is believed to have died out in the mid-1900s, probably due to acidification and the expansion of hydroelectric power installations. Despite rumours of sporadic catches, eDNA analyses and electrofishing efforts executed in 2021/2022, no concrete evidence of the grayling's presence in the Lagan has been found.
Through the newly launched project “Sagan om harrens återkomst”, the Swedish angling community – helped by Sportfiskarna – is now taking an ambitious step forward trying to reintroduce grayling back into the river.
Project’s scope is to work with grayling from different life stages
The project will be carrying out with the release of grayling at different stages of development, from eye-spotted roe to juveniles of 7-8 centimetres. To boost diversity and re-establishment potential, releases from three separate populations are scheduled.
One of the most promising areas for the project is Krokån, a watercourse in southern Halland region having an outlet in the Lagan river. Here the conditions are considered ideal for grayling populations such as a good drop height, abundant presence of stones, absence of migration obstacles combined with extensive liming efforts.
The biggest challenge, however, is the changing climate and the increasingly brown water, which makes the selection of the right grayling population even more important for the success of the project.
Recent developments make it difficult to continue with the project
The recently launched new Swedish Government has decided to cut funding for all nature related work. With this decision, the project “Sagan om harrens återkomst” might fall due to the fact that liming (to prevent acidification) is heavily cut back making it pointless to try to restock an aquatic species sensitive to low pH levels.
Follow our website and this webpage for further updates on the project!
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Photo credits: Mathias Arnham & Sportfiskarna