ProtectFish partner BOKU University presented its research and work under our project at a national conference dedicated to the protection of aquatic ecosystems organised by the Austrian NGO Österreichisches Kuratorium Für Fischerei und Gewässerschutz (ÖKF), highlighting especially the Austrian case study.
Introduction
In October 2025, Phillip Schmitt (BOKU Vienna) presented the ProtectFish project at the 12th ÖKF FishLife FORUM in Linz. The event, held under the theme “Lebendige Gewässer” (living waters), gathered between 80 and 100 participants from the Austrian fisheries community. Which included researchers, fisheries authorities, government representatives, civil engineers and other key stakeholders (e.g. Austrian anglers).
During his presentation, Phillip Schmitt introduced the overall objectives and work structure of ProtectFish, with particular emphasis on Work Package 4 and the Austrian case study. He highlighted how ProtectFish, an EU-funded research project, is advancing knowledge on the conflict between cormorants and endangered river fish species. This to support evidence-based, Europe-wide management solutions.
BOKU’s role in ProtectFish – a key partner for our research
BOKU University is a key partner in ProtectFish as it leads the research work done under Work Package 4 – “field experiments to study the effect of a decreased predation pressure”. This work package will elaborate extensive field studies in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy and Poland. These will cover diverse biogeographical regions and a wide range of river landscapes.
It will further assess how the modification of cormorant predation pressure interacts with the conservation status of riverine fish populations. The experts will also study the reactions of cormorants to fish protection measures, the effects of landscape on predation intensity and how habitat quality and complexity could support fish protection.
Focus on the Austrian case study
ProtectFish field studies in Austria focus on the Upper Drau river, aiming to generate comparative data on the effects of management on fish stocks. During the winter season 2024/2025, BOKU engaged with fish stock assessments & tagging activities, monitoring of the cormorant’s night roost, PIT-tag retrieval from the birds’ roosting sites, and cormorant monitoring by wildlife cameras and local volunteers.
On the Drau river (40km long & 50m wide stretch), BOKU’s work revealed that:
- Grayling biomass has declined by 96% since 1989
- No recovery of grayling populations can be observed – despite extensive restoration efforts
- A continuous predation pressure by cormorants exists as their establishment on the Drau River is considered a key factor preventing the recovery of fish populations.
More information on the event & BOKU’s role in our project
More information on WP4 and the role of BOKU can be found via this link
Further information about the event is available on the ÖKF website:
https://www.fishlife.at/allgemein/12-oekf-forum-nachlese/
More information on ProtectFish work & community building activities
- ProtectFish presents research during EAA General Assembly – Protectfish
- Brussels June Conference on Cormorant Management Advice – Protectfish
- ProtectFish presented at freshwater symposium – Denmark
- ProtectFish Austrian & Danish partners engage with local communities to co-develop management proposals for freshwater species – Protectfish
- ProtectFish presented in Estonian seminar “The impact of cormorants on fisheries and ecosystems” – Protectfish
Pictures
