Floodplains: special measures needed for the development and stabilisation of fish biota

The preserved extent of the initial floodplains along major rivers is limited and has been distinctly altered by hydrological dynamics. The results exert a negative impact on aquatic biota, above all, fishes (the floodplains of Odra, Dyje, Lužnice rivers). The most marked changes include construction of ponds, canalization of streams with levees, absence of meadow management. The consequences: absent landscape formation activity of streams, expansion of wetland vegetation, gradual silting and downfall of alluvial habitats, their total drying, destruction of elements such as channels, ditches, river arms and other habitats, a limitation or disappearance of populations of Misgurnus fossilis, Rhodeus amarus, Cobitis spp., Carassius carassius, Leucaspius delineatus. Retrieval: maintenance of optimum condition of aquatic habitats, creation of artificial wetlands, restoration populations of protected fish species. Passive protection of habitat and species is no solution any longer