A FREE-FLOWING JOURNEY FOR THE BERMEJUELA

 

Sandra Amelines

How can you recognise it?

The bermejuela is a small indigenous fish of the Iberian peninsula. It has a maximum length of 10 cm and a weight of 40 g. It is a species with a vulnerable conservation status due to human activity in its habit. It eats small invertebrates (insects and crustaceans), detritus and some vegetable matter.

These fish can be found in low-current and shallow areas along the riverbanks. However, in late July they emigrate to deeper areas with a stronger current. During this process, they may come up against barriers that make it difficult for them to move around normally.

What is their situation?

It is a species of Community interest and is included in the Red Natura conservation project.

The main threats to its survival in the Deva river are as follows:

  • Highly limited distribution area, making them extremely vulnerable to alterations in habitat.

  • Limited river connectivity.

How can we help them?

Thanks to the DIVAQUA conservation actions, their habitat has benefitted from:

  • Improvement in river ecosystem connectivity through the permeabilization of dams in the Sella and Deva-Cares river basins.
  • Improvement of fish ladders in Poncebos and the Urdón river.
  • Actions to improve the riverbanks.
  • Actions focused on restoring and improving the ecological and functional processes that take place in the Red Natura ecosystems.