Municipality Spends 22 Million on Fish Passage – But Migratory Fish Are Missing

After a decade of work and a total cost to taxpayers of around 22 million kronor, Vaggeryd municipality has completed the reconstruction of Kvarndammen. But there are no migratory fish.

The project also includes a 125-meter long fish passage. What has attracted attention is that there are no migratory fish species using the stretch, neither in Kvarndammen nor further up the Lagan river. Instead, the area is mostly home to species like perch and pike.

The background is the dam collapse in 2014, which prompted the municipality to launch an extensive restoration effort. During the course of the project, the process was prolonged due to issues such as permit requirements, regulatory demands, and environmental assessments.

The municipality’s technical manager Magnus Ljunggren admits in an interview with Sveriges Radio P4 Jönköping that the fish passage is unlikely to be used by migratory fish. In total, the entire project has cost around 22 million kronor.

– There are fish, but maybe not these migratory ones coming from the Baltic Sea, says Ljunggren to Sveriges Radio.

Despite criticism of the investment, the municipality insists the facility has qualities that are still appreciated. Magnus Ljunggren especially highlights its design and environment.

– It’s very nice to look at, it bubbles, it winds its way forward so to speak, says Ljunggren to Sveriges Radio.