Two-step weir at Germasogeia River, Cyprus. ©Iakovos Tziortzis
First Documented Barrier Removals in Cyprus
We’re happy to report some exciting barrier removal news from Cyprus!
Two transversal barriers were removed from two rivers in recent years. This is part of a goal by water authorities to remove obsolete barriers along the corridors of rivers and streams at a national level. The main authority in charge of this goal is the Water Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. This agency is responsible for water management, including monitoring water supply, reservoirs and dams, and for management and protection of rivers and streams in the Republic of Cyprus.
The first barrier, a weir, was removed from Germasogeia (Amathos) River in 2015. This 1 to 1.5m high, concrete weir was probably constructed to enhance aquifer recharge. The removal was part of a wider project of hydromorphological restoration and restoration of the riparian vegetation. In parallel, this project aimed to facilitate the upstream migration of eels that had recently been recorded for the first time in that river stretch. The unhindered water flow will certainly benefit migratory fish (i.e., eels), since that 2-step weir was a significant barrier for both anadromous and catadromous fish.
Two-step weir at Germasogeia River, Cyprus. ©Iakovos Tziortzis
Removal of the weir at Germasogeia River, Cyprus ©Iakovos Tziortzis
The second barrier, a culvert, was removed – along with the upper small bridge – from Agriokalami River in 2020. The culvert was located close to the estuary and was creating a large drop-off to the stream below, and thus it was a barrier to diadromous fish migration. This river is an ecologically important system, since it is inhabited by eels, and this barrier removal is expected to enhance the species population.
Culvert at Agriokalami River, Cyprus ©Water Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Republic of Cyprus
Agriokalami River after the culvert removal ©Water Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Republic of Cyprus
Fish population monitoring through electrofishing at Agriokalami River after the culvert removal ©I.A.CO Ltd
