Ecology of freshwater fish: migration, populations and management
About this expertise
In short- Fish migration & habitats
- IJsselmeer region
- Monitoring & management
- Eel survey
- Innovative methods
WUR studies freshwater fish in Dutch lakes, rivers and coastal areas. Our research mainly focuses on migration, populations and sustainable management.
The Netherlands has numerous lakes, rivers and deltas that are the habitat of a many species of freshwater fish. These fish populations are under pressure from barriers, pollution, fishing and climate change. WUR studies how fish ecology and human activities can be balanced, and thus support water management and nature policy. This research enables WUR to deliver knowledge that is directly applicable in fisheries management, nature recovery and water management.
Besides traditional counts and catch sampling, we use modern techniques: telemetry (satellite and GPS transmitters), acoustic monitoring, eDNA and computer models to understand population dynamics and migration behaviour. Combining several methods provides a comprehensive impression of distribution.
More information
Many fish species, such as salmon, eels and sturgeon, require free migration between marine and freshwater. In the Netherlands, their routes are blocked by thousands of dams and pumping stations. WUR studies how migration facilities work, tests fish passages and maps migration routes with telemetry and field monitoring.
The IJsselmeer and Markermeer are important areas for fish populations and the fishing industry. WUR monitors the population size of species such as smelt, pikeperch and perch and investigates their role in the food web. This knowledge supports management of fisheries and wildlife values, and helps balance ecology and use.
The European eel is an iconic species under serious pressure. WUR studies population trends and eel behaviour in lakes, rivers and ditches, and provides data for international ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) advice. We have been monitoring glass eels at coastal migration points since 1938 and use models to calculate eel stocks in the Netherlands. This knowledge forms the basis for national and European eel management plans.
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Are you involved in fisheries management, water management or nature recovery? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or more information.
dr. JJ (Joep) de Leeuw
Researcher Fish Ecology & Inland Fisheries