Swimway brings fish conservation to the 15th Trilateral Governmental Conference in Esbjerg, Denmark
The Wadden Sea is a landscape defined by movement. Twice a day, tides reshape its shores, sediments shift across vast tidal flats, and countless species travel through this dynamic ecosystem. Among the most remarkable travellers are fish — species that connect rivers, estuaries and marine environments as they complete their life cycles.
At the 15th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea, held in Esbjerg in May 2026, fish took centre stage as the Swimway Initiative and the Expert Group Swimway showcased the importance of fish conservation within trilateral cooperation.
During the conference marketplace, participants could discover the world beneath the surface of the Wadden Sea through the Swimway stand. Visitors learned about fish life cycles, migration routes and the challenges fish face when moving between habitats. The stand provided an opportunity to share knowledge, discuss conservation actions and demonstrate why ecological connectivity is fundamental for healthy fish populations.
The Swimway approach recognises that fish do not experience the Wadden Sea as separate areas divided by borders. Their journeys often span freshwater rivers, estuaries, coastal zones and the North Sea. Protecting these journeys requires cooperation across countries, organisations and disciplines.
Strengthening action for the next years
The conference also marked an important step forward for Swimway: the updated Trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision and Action Programme has been adopted and published.
Building on earlier work, the updated programme extends the framework for 2026–2032 and provides a roadmap for continued collaboration. It strengthens the focus on ecological connectivity, protecting the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea, and responding to environmental challenges including climate change.
The programme translates the shared ambition for Wadden Sea fish conservation into concrete actions — supporting research, monitoring, knowledge exchange and coordinated conservation efforts across Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
Continuing the journey
The Swimway Initiative continues to connect science, policy and practice to improve conditions for fish throughout the Wadden Sea region. From understanding migration pathways to identifying barriers and opportunities for restoration, every action contributes to a better-connected ecosystem.
The message shared at the Trilateral Governmental Conference was clear: fish conservation is not only about protecting individual species. It is about maintaining the connections that allow ecosystems to function.
Because fish know no borders — and neither should conservation.
Download and view our Swimway Vision & Action Programme here: