Protecting and improving the quality of lakes and rivers
Surface waters are those habitats in Switzerland that have departed the most from their natural state. The federal government's water protection policy aims to restore the value of rivers, streams and lakeshores with the following measures: sufficient space provided for waters, rehabilitation projects and the reduction of negative impacts due to hydropower exploitation.
The term restoration comprises rehabilitation projects as well as the reduction of negative impacts due to hydropower use. It is a task that will be undertaken by several generations with numerous synergies between water quality protection, flood protection, biodiversity and habitat enhancement, which usually also benefits local recreation.
The designation of sufficient space for waters, rehabilitation projects and the reduction of negative impacts due to hydropower use form a comprehensive package that is primarily implemented by the cantons and the owners of hydropower plants.
The FOEN provides planning bases for the cantons and the operators of hydropower plants.
Rehabilitation
Revitalisierungen sind ein zentraler Bestandteil des revidierten Gewässerschutzgesetzes. Ziel ist die Wiederherstellung von naturnahen Bächen, Flüssen und Seen mit ihren charakteristischen Tier- und Pflanzenarten. Neben der Biodiversität profitieren auch Naherholung und Hochwasserschutz.
Residual flow
Damit Fliessgewässer ihre natürlichen Funktionen erfüllen können, braucht es unterhalb von Wasserentnahmen ausreichend Wasser in Fluss- und Bachbetten. Das Gewässerschutzgesetz legt Restwassermengen fest.
Sustainable fishing
Federal legislation relevant to fisheries regulates the protection and use of fish stocks and aquatic habitats. The aim of the legislation is, among other things, to conserve the natural diversity of species and the stocks of native fish, crayfish and natural animal prey species of fish. It also aims to improve or, where possible, restore their habitats. In addition, the stocks of fish and crayfish should be exploited in a sustainable manner. The legal basis must take account of both biological and fisheries aspects.