The Salaca River is 94.4 km long and it flows out from Lake Burtnieks. Rivers in the Salaca River sub-catchment are very diverse – they vary from small to large, there are rapid flows as well as slowly flowing sections, natural and anthropogenically modified, with quality ranging from low to high, so the approach to management must be complex.
The Salaca River valley from Mazsalaca to Salacgrīva is included in the Natura 2000 territory - Nature Park "Salacas Ieleja". The most important natural values in this section are sandstone rock outcrops, caves, river rapids, slope forests and meadows with a great diversity of species. The obstacle - Staicele Dam divides Natura 2000 territory in two parts which causes deterioration of river ecological and habitat continuity and has a significant negative effect on ecosystem health. Staicele dam is a major obstacle for migratory fish.
Salaca is one of the most important migratory fish rivers in Latvia, significantly affected by barriers and degradation of rapid habitats. The total number of fish species found in the Salaca River is almost 40.
The main obstacle is the remnants of the Staicele dam, which raises the water level and hinders fish migration. The river is home to several protected species, including Atlantic salmon, trout and river lamprey.
Key planned activities
- Demolition of the Staicele dam, which would open up a total of 620 km of rivers in the Salaca river basin
- Restoration of rapid habitats
- Monitoring of salmon and trout populations
- Restoration of fish migration routes
