Kwabaal in de Beerze

Burbot in the Beerze.The burbot (Lota lota) has become an extremely rare fish in the Netherlands. The species used to be abundant in streams, rivers and lakes, but has declined as a result of both water pollution and habitat degradation. Due to habitat restoration and the improved water quality, opportunities for the reintroduction of the burbot have arisen. The Beerze was selected as a stream with suitable habitat conditions. Juvenile burbots were reintroduced for the first time in 2009 and more indviduals will be released during coming years. A monitoring program surveys the population. The first results show that a number of burbots have survived their first winter.