The Slovak pilot focuses on improving fish migration along the River Hornád in the Košice region. Following the 2015 national methodology, Slovakia built or upgraded more than 80 fish passages to restore river continuity. However, recent monitoring has shown that several older structures remain ineffective or outdated, creating obstacles for migratory species and limiting habitat connectivity. At the same time, the Danube River Basin Management Plan highlights barrier removal and improved fish migration pathways as key priorities for the region. 

The goal of this pilot is to design and implement modern, nature-based fishways that support ecological restoration and improve the river’s longitudinal continuity. The project combines hydro morphological assessment, ecological consultation and advanced surveying to support the reconstruction of existing fish passages in Košice. The pilot will also help raise awareness among local communities about the importance of fish migration and river revitalisation. 

A distinctive feature of the Slovak pilot is the introduction of non-invasive monitoring methods. Using underwater cameras and sonar, the team will test new ways to observe fish movement around barriers before reconstruction. This approach aims to better understand how fish approach obstacles and to optimise the design and placement of fishway entrances. The resulting method has the potential to be replicated across the Danube basin and contribute to more effective and sustainable fish passage solutions.