The next four years (2014-2017) the project "Conservation of river fauna of European interest in the Natura 2000 network basins of the rivers Ter and Muga," known by the acronym LIFE Potamo Fauna, will restore and preserve several endangered species in the long term. It will carry out habitat improvements and reinforcements population of crayfish species, naiads, some indigenous fish, amphibians and pond turtles.

The project will act in 11 Natura 2000 areas in the province of Girona:

• Upper Garrotxa - Massif of Les Salines
• Volcanic Region of La Garrotxa
• Riparian habitats of the Upper Ter
• Transversal Catalan System
• Riu Fluvià
• Riu Brugent
• Riu Llémena
• Mountains of Rocacorba - Puig de la Banya del Boc
• Lake Banyoles
• Xuclà and Riudelleques streams
• Riparian habitats of the Lower Ter

The Consorci de l’Estany acts as the coordinating beneficiary. Associated beneficiaries are Consorci del Ter, Generalitat of Catalonia through the Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Alimentació i Medi Natural, Forestal Catalana SA, els Amics de la Tortuga de l’Albera and the Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea. Porqueres and Banyoles city Councils act as co-financers and the Diputació de Girona, Aigües de Banyoles, SAU and the Consorci Esportiu de l’Estany de Banyoles.

The overall budget is 1.900.262 euros, of which 50% are financed by the European Union. This project has enabled us to consolidate a team of 24 people for four years. Some of them part-time and others with a full job. The Consorci de l’Estany have hired four new people. Moreover, and also indirectly participate temporarily several companies engaged in the management and study of biodiversity and nature.

Objectives and actions:

• Conservation and Recovery of fluvial populations of three species seriously endangered of aquatic fauna, mainly through releases of captive-bred specimens: naiad (Unio elongatulus), white-footed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).

• Conservation and recovery of populations of three endangered species of aquatic fauna, mainly through translocating specimens from populations in the basins: snails Vertigo moulinsiana and V. angustior and barbel (Barbus meridionalis).

• Improving the aquatic turtle populations in the river Ter and 5 amphibians, by creating small temporary lagoons: terrapin (Mauremys leprosa), newt (Triturus marmoratus), and 4 other toads and frgs (Alytes obstetricans, Pelobates cultripes, Bufo calamita and Hyla meridionalis).

• Fight against several species of invasive exotic crayfish, fish, turtles and molluscs, to mitigate its harmful effects on aquatic fauna and their habitats through a battery of several actions: population control in specific sectors, experiments diseases propagated by these species, prevention of penetration, among others.

• Information campaigns about the project, the value of the target species and the problem of invasive alien species: lectures, exhibitions and appearances in the media, among other actions.

• Interaction with the scientific and technical community involved in the conservation of endangered species of fauna river to create positive synergies: technical visits and attendance or organization of specialized conferences, etc..

The public presentation of the project took place on April the 3rd in the auditorium of the Government Josep Irla in Girona and the presence of all members. Took part in the event Mr. Vicenç Estanyol, Director Territorial dels Serveis Territorials del Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Alimentació i Medi Natural a Girona; Mr.. Miquel Noguer, President del Consorci de l’Estany, Mr. Jordi Munell, President del Consorci del Ter, Mr. Francisco Fernández, Cap de l’Àrea de Gestió Ambiental de Forestal Catalana; and Mr. Joan Budó, Director del Centre de Reproducció de Tortugues de l’Albera.

The event was complemented by a presentation by the project's technical coordinator technical LIFE Potamo Fauna, Mr. Quim Pou, and the conference "The Recovery of native creyfish and the importance of th River ecosystems Conservation" by Doctor Javier Diéguez, scientist at the Real Jardín Botánico. The presentation and lecture was attended by about sixty people.