Renaturation of the Traun: Hope for the endangered grayling!

Renaturation of the Traun: Hope for the endangered grayling!

With the increasing temperatures, spawning times for many fish species begin in February 2025. The endangered grayling, which, like the Traun, strives for its reproduction in the clear currents of the Alpine foreland. However, their natural spawning spaces are very threatened by human interventions such as water regulations. In order to counter this challenge, the Austrian Federal Forest (ÖBF), together with various partners, launched a large renaturation project. The river was revitalized at six selected areas along the Traun to create optimal conditions for the grayling and other fish species. "We give back to the river a piece of nature and improve the habitat for endangered species," said Andreas Gruber from the ÖBF.

revitalization of habitats

As part of this project, around 1,300 square meters of the solidified river bed between Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern were loosened up. A special excavator was used to edit the gravel floor and improve the flow through. In addition, 100 tons of fresh gravel were introduced, which not only benefits the grayling, but also other fish species such as brown trout and pearlfian. These measures also promote biodiversity in the region by attracting insects as a source of food for numerous bird species. The water is also frequented by various feathered animals such as the kingfisher and the water ambulance that indicate an intact and high -quality ecosystem.

In addition on the German Traun, which extends over a distance of around 2.25 km, the conditions for fly fishermen are particularly attractive. This beautiful river region is only managed under strict rules to ensure the fish ecological situation sustainably. Here fishing is prohibited all year round for the grayling, which is an important measure to preserve this special fish species. By participating in the species aid program-the man of the state fishing association Bavaria is also ensured that the best conditions for the habitat of the grayling are available, such as the website of the Fischerebenverband Traunstein confirmed.