The Vjosa river near Tepelena, Albania.

Can the incredible Vjosa River in Albania be saved?

The Vjosa system is truly one of the last remaining wild rivers in Europe. Beginning its journey in Greece, it flows without barriers for more than 270 kilometers before emptying into the Adriatic Sea, and is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife including a number of endangered fish species. Unfortunately, the integrity of this pristine ecosystem is now threatened by a series of hydroelectric dam projects planned for the near future despite widespread environmental concerns and local opposition.

This stunning video, produced by members of the Leeway Collective, aims to raise awareness of these threats. It is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in freshwater fishes and their conservation, because it provides a stark reminder that species conservation ultimately means very little unless their habitats can also be protected. The worldwide damming of rivers continues unabated, from the Amazon to the Mekong, and is exacting unimaginable damage on aquatic ecosystems with countless fish species predicted to become extinct over the coming decades. As aquarists, are we doing enough to help prevent this catastrophic global decline?

For more information about the Vjosa River, and details about how to support its conservation, see the following link: http://balkanrivers.net/en/key-areas/vjosa-river