# Freshwater fish biodiversity in Austria and Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/freshwater-fish-biodiversity-in-austria-and-germany
> Updated: 2026-08-27T11:27:48.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Freshwater fish biodiversity in Austria and Germany is facing significant challenges due to human-driven factors such as climate change, pollution, and migration barriers. In Austria, more than 45 percent of fish species are considered endangered, prompting conservation efforts like the targeted breeding and reintroduction of the Sterlet.

Ecological assessments in Germany indicate that 43 percent of native freshwater fish and jawless fish species are threatened, with migratory species like eel and smelt under particular pressure. Conversely, some species such as the brook lamprey and bullhead have shown status improvements. In Austrian alpine lakes, while native fish populations remain under pressure, noble crayfish populations have shown positive developments in several areas.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Ecological reports show varying fish species status in Germany and Austria

Ecological studies in Hamburg and various Austrian alpine lakes show that while many native fish species face threats from climate change and habitat barriers, some species and crayfish populations are showing'

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecological-reports-show-varying-fish-species-status-in-germany-and-austria

### 2026-08-20: Austria fish species face high endangerment rates

To mark World Fish Day, Haus des Meeres reports that over 45 percent of fish species in Austria are endangered due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-fish-species-face-high-endangerment-rates

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Cite as: Freshwater fish biodiversity in Austria and Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/freshwater-fish-biodiversity-in-austria-and-germany