A new dike is being constructed near Norreso in south-west Jutland

Houting, once widespread throughout the entire Wadden Sea, are now only found in the Danish coast of the Wadden Sea. Its numbers have gone down to a mere 7,000. Houting are facing extinction because most parts of Denmark’s river systems have been modified for drainage, hydropower stations or fish farms.

These modifications have a negative impact on the physical condition of the watercourses and the houting’s spawning grounds.

Now, land owners, fish farmers and the Danish Forest and Nature Agency are working towards ensuring the survival of the houting with an 13 million euros nature restoration project in Denmark -- The Houting Project, that is partly supported by the EU LIFE Fund.

Report: Cheryl Northey