Four Pillars of the trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision & Action Programme

In 2019, a Trilateral Coordination Team consisting of trilateral Swimway group members and CWSS personnel, developed a Swimway Vision Action Programme outlining priority actions for the period 2020-2026. The programme identified actions to improve knowledge  and understanding of migratory fish species, establish processes for direct population monitoring, strengthen policy frameworks, and develop, implement, and evaluate conservation measures towards realising the Trilateral Fish Targets. 

During 2025, the Swimway Vision & Action Programme was reviewed and updated by Expert Group Swimway, to guide future efforts for the period 2026-2032. The updated programme builds upon the achievements and lessons learned from the first implementation period and continues ti provide a coordinated framework for protecting and restoring migratory fish populations across the Wadden Sea.

The key benefit of the from Swimway approach is the improved understanding of migratory fish populations, including identification of knowledge gaps, population bottlenecks, and factors limiting recovery. Addressing these knowledge gaps will strengthen the evidence base for conservation actions and support the development of more targeted and effective strategies to restore and maintain healthy fish populations.

The trilateral Swimway Vision & Action Programme is structured around four key pillars (click on pillars for more information):