Background A network of anthropogenic water management systems exists in the Netherlands. These have been created over the centuries to control water flows and drive hydro powered equipment. Such systems can act as barriers for fish species and inhibit natural migratory patterns. These problems prevent free-movement of anadromous or reophilic species (that live in salt water but breed in fresh water) and Dutch authorities were keen to address such conservation concerns within the Roer delta and its tributaries. The Roer river forms a potential habitat for fish species that migrate between the Meuse and the Roer. The Dutch section of the Roer also forms a route for fish that migrate between the North Sea and the Meuse to their spawning grounds in the upper German section of the Roer. Objectives The main aim of the project was to facilitate improved habitat access and migratory conditions in the Roer Delta for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other Annex II species, namely asp (Aspius aspius), bullhead (Cottus gobio), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus susbsp. amarus) and weatherfish (Misgurnis fossilis). Results Outcomes from the LIFE project have been successful in their objectives to boost opportunities for fish migration in the target area. A new fish ladder was built in Roermond and the existing fish ladder at Hambeek was improved to increase its effectiveness. LIFE’s new fish ladder at the hydropower installation in Roermond has a concrete labyrinth layout which bridges a height of 2.4 m and covers an area of 2 000 m2. The improved fish ladder at Hambeek is about 480 m long and bridges a height of 2.5 m. Natural materials were used in its construction, such as gravel and large stones of Ardenner gres, which create structures and flow patterns that allow the fish to swim up and down. These two structures overcome the last remaining obstacles for fish migration between the river Meuse and the Dutch part of the river Roer, thus opening up an improved migratory route for fish from the North Sea to Germany. By providing access to important upstream breeding areas for the target species, LIFE’s work in this project adds value to other conservation work being carried out in Germany to breed a Roer stock of salmon and sea trout. Monitoring has confirmed that three of the species targeted by the project (salmon, sea lamprey and European bullhead) are using the new Roermond fish ladder. Salmon and sea lamprey have also been recorded using the improved Hambeek migratory facilities and ongoing monitoring by the beneficiary will continue to measure the project’s long term impact on fish populations in the Roer. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).