Olomouc Revitalizes Dead Arm of Morava River, Restores Habitat for 15 Fish Species

The city of Olomouc completed the revitalisation of the Mrtvé rameno (Dead Arm) of the Morava River last year as part of its flood‑protection programme. By reconnecting the former meander to the main river channel, the project created flowing water conditions that support natural reproduction of fish. Scientists from the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences recorded fifteen fish species breeding in the restored reach.

Olomouc mayor Miroslava Ferancová (ANO) highlighted the dual benefit of the work for flood safety and biodiversity, while Petr Loyka, head of the city’s environment department, noted the site also provides valuable habitat for bats, birds and insects. The municipality plans to monitor the area’s ecological development in the coming years.