MARE researcher warns of threats to the Tagus River's fish fauna at the Terras sem Sombra Festival

Fish in the Tagus River face serious threats related to water scarcity, obstacles to migration, and the proliferation of invasive species. The warning was issued by Bernardo Quintella, a researcher at MARE/ARNET – Aquatic Research Network, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (CIÊNCIAS ULisboa), during an event held last Sunday, September 28, as part of the Terras sem Sombra Festival in Belver, in the municipality of Gavião.

The activity, entitled “The Self and the Other: Ichthyofauna of the Tagus River,” featured a lecture and a walk along the banks of the Tagus, connecting Alamal River Beach to Belver. The program also included a conversation with a local fisherman, whose nets mainly caught non-indigenous species, in particular the European catfish, which today dominates the fish community in terms of number of specimens and biomass.

“The fish in our rivers are in danger. It is urgent to restore habitats, ensure ecological flows, guarantee the continuity of rivers to allow migration, and improve water quality,” emphasized Bernardo Quintella, adding that the removal of invasive species is essential to halt biodiversity loss.

Created in 2003, the Terras sem Sombra Festival is a cultural and environmental initiative that combines classical music concerts, heritage visits, and biodiversity conservation activities. Held in several municipalities in Alentejo, the festival seeks to promote low-density areas, bring the public closer to nature, and raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

By involving scientists in its activities, the festival promotes dialogue between art, science, and local communities. Bernardo Quintella's participation reinforced MARE's role in scientific dissemination and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, bringing research closer to people and the territory.

Photos by  ©TSS Biodiversidade Gavião
Text by Vera Sequeira