Translocação de lampreia-marinha no Douro mobiliza parceiros locais

On 17 and 18 April, a new sea lamprey translocation operation in the Douro River once again brought together researchers, fishers and public entities in a coordinated effort to improve the reproductive conditions of this migratory species. In total, 72 individuals were captured and translocated, reinforcing the continuity of national conservation actions.

According to Carlos Alexandre,  researcher at MARE–University of Évora and ARNET, “the initiative relied on the collaboration of local fishers who, voluntarily and without any financial compensation, captured the lampreys downstream of the Crestuma‑Lever dam.” He added that “EDP ensured the management of dam discharges, creating suitable conditions for the operation.” The lampreys were then transferred to more favourable spawning areas, such as the Sousa and Paiva rivers.

The operation was monitored by central administration bodies and local authorities, ensuring compliance with all procedures. The central objective is to facilitate the sea lamprey’s access to its spawning grounds.

This was the second intervention of its kind in the Douro, following a first action carried out in 2025. According to the researcher, “its cumulative effect is expected to contribute to the conservation of the species, in a river basin strongly constrained by artificial barriers that limit the free movement of fish fauna.”

This action demonstrates the value of collaboration between science and the community. It is a joint effort that has a real impact on the conservation of the species.

Text: Zara Teixeira and Carlos Alexandre

Images: Carlos Alexandre