Over the centuries, Berlin’s flowing waters have been profoundly reshaped by human activity. Where the Spree meets the Havel, there was once a delta with riparian wetlands and floodplains. Today, these waters are slow-moving or stagnant, regulated by a network of locks and weirs. This transformation has also altered and partially fragmented the habitats of fish species that once thrived there. As a result, numerous species have lost their habitats and spawning grounds. In particular, migratory species like the sturgeon and the salmon as well as lampreys and more sensitive species such as the vimba bream and the barbel have become extinct or are considered lost.
Growing environmental awareness has gradually led to improved water quality, allowing fish populations to begin recovering. However, efforts to improve fish passage at barriers remain ongoing, as these waters are still vital for navigation and water use. Consequently, conditions for migratory fish have yet to improve.
The most recent survey of 153 water bodies in Berlin recorded 40 different fish species. As expected, the most biodiverse environments between 2014 and 2022 were fluvial lakes, such as the Großer Müggelsee and the Griebnitzsee. The most common species included the roach, the rudd, the perch, and the pike. Delve into the detailed population data from 1993, 2002, 2013, and 2022 here.
The legal framework for these improvements was established in 2000 by the European Water Framework Directive, which seeks to restore the ecological status of rivers and lakes across the EU.