The initiative aims to recover the population of friarfish (Salaria fluviatilis) in Lake Banyoles, and other threatened species of aquatic fauna that coexist or depend on this fish. The initiative aims to recover the population of friarfish (Salaria fluviatilis) in Lake Banyoles, and other threatened species of aquatic fauna that coexist or depend on this fish.

The lake of Banyoles is a unique natural area with numerous habitats and species of notable interest. The main threat currently looming over its biodiversity is the proliferation of invasive alien species, especially exotic predatory fish. The level of degradation of the original fish settlement is extreme. At present the only native species that breeds in the lake is the friarfish (Salaria fluviatilis), but it is also in regression.

This species is paradoxically very threatened on a regional scale, a fact that gives this unique lake population a high strategic value for its conservation in Catalonia. The proliferation of introduced fish species has also affected other elements of interest, such as native naiads, which are seriously threatened due to lack of recruitment.

This project involves making a precise diagnosis of the situation of the friarfish and their habitats. From here, actions will be planned to recover optimal habitats for this fish and other companion species: installation of reefs and vegetation mowing. A catalogue of management and intervention procedures in these habitats will also be drawn up, reconciling their conservation with the recreational, sporting and other uses in force in the lake.

The specific objectives are:

• To determine the current situation of the friarfish in Lake Banyoles.
• Recovery and improvement of the populations of friarfish and other threatened native fish of the lake.
• Recovery and improvement of threatened native naiad populations.
• To obtain models of modular reefs for the conservation of threatened fish in lentic freshwater systems.
• To make the current recreational and sports uses of the Banyoles lake compatible with the conservation of endangered species.

The activities to be developed are divided into the three phases planned for the project:

1. Mapping of coastal habitats (phase I).
2. Sampling of the friarfish population (phase I).
3. Experimentation with limnocorrals (phase I).
4. Analysis and interpretation of results (phase I).
5. Design, construction and installation of artificial reefs (phase II).
6. Improvement of coastal aquatic habitats (phase II).
7. Translocation of naiad specimens and monitoring (phase II).
8. Analysis and interpretation of results (phase II).
9. Drafting of the catalogue of management and intervention procedures in the key habitats for fish and naiads in Lake Banyoles (phase III).
10. Preparation of the final report, with all its attached documents (databases, associated cartography and others). (Phase III).