A new scientific study reveals that the lack of ecological flow from the Aoos Springs dam is severely endangering the Aoos/Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers. The dam, constructed in 1987, has drastically cut off water flow to the downstream section – Northern Pindos National Park and 13 Natura 2000 sites. This has lead to significant ecological impacts and breaking the provisions of both the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) to maintain adequate hydrological flow to safeguard the “good ecological status” of the river.

Key findings of the report from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) highlights that the once free-flowing river has been reduced to a narrow stream, causing fundamental hydromorphological changes and degrading the riparian ecosystem. This has resulted in extensive habitat loss and a decline in fish diversity, particularly affecting species like the Balkan trout.

The study emphasises the urgent need to restore ecological flow to safeguard the river’s biodiversity. It recommends a permanent minimum flow of 0.37 m³/sec, mirroring the river’s average summer flow before dam construction, and a dynamic seasonal component (20% of average daily discharge) to support natural processes like fish reproduction and sediment transport.

The Aoos/Vjosa river protection is part of a wider campaign to safeguard Vjosa Wild River National Park through dam removal – learn more about Save the Blue Heart of Europe.

Header Photo: Joshua D. Lim