The theme for 2025 is the restoration of waterways

When man-made nature is helped to return closer to its original state, it is a question of restoring nature. In most cases, nature would also recover by itself if it were given the opportunity to do so. But this natural process is very slow, and the aim of restoration is to accelerate the restoration of biodiversity. Diverse and healthy nature increases our own health and well-being and that of future generations.

The aim of the restoration of water bodies is to restore the weakened water system to at least a good ecological state. The restoration of waterways improves natural values and water quality, increases carbon storages, improves the recreational use of waterways and increases the value of shoreline properties.

The easiest way to restore waterways is to leave the shoreline area untreated, let the shore zone be natural, make sure that no nutrients or soil leak from your own land into the waterway, and only use the products of your own composter for fertilization. Permanent changes can only be achieved by reducing the load on waterways.

Fishing for cyprinid fish is fun and useful at the same time. By removing cyprinid fish, nutrients can be removed from the water system, and cyprinid fish are delicious and healthy local food.

Reeds can be kept in check by mowing. When the mowed vegetation is harvested, nutrients are also removed from the water system. However, the vegetation on the shore should not be mowed completely, as the vegetation provides shelter, food and breeding places for many for many aquatic and shoreline animals. So it is better to mow in patches.

When other restoration efforts are not enough, it may be necessary to dredge the shore. However, dredging is a powerful operation that can cause many kinds of harm: harmful substances and nutrients accumulated in sediment can be released, dredging with steep edges can desert the bottom. But shallow and gently sloping dredging can, at best, help many endangered aquatic plants and animals.

When restoring a water body, it is worthwhile to co-operate with other shore residents and water users. In addition, the notifications and permits required by the authorities must be taken care of.

What are you doing to restore waterways? Which water area is the most important to you? Tell us your own answers on site at Maretarium using our commitment form.