On behalf of the MA 31 – Vienna Water Department of the City of Vienna, our colleagues were out and about in the frozen Lobau this week. Even in freezing temperatures and challenging conditions, our colleagues give their best and are well equipped to carry out sampling professionally. Because environmental protection and water monitoring are a year-round business for us.

In cooperation with the Burgenland Nature Academy, our Managing Director Georg Wolfram delivered an online lecture on the fish fauna of Burgenland. More than 50 species of fish and lampreys inhabit a wide range of habitats in the region – from flowing waters and Lake Neusiedl to even the smallest drainage channels.

The lecture highlighted their diverse ecological requirements and demonstrated why fish are indispensable indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems. Using engaging examples, it became clear how sensitively this animal group responds to environmental changes and why protecting their habitats is a key contribution to conserving biological diversity.

Click here to register for the online lecture

Over the course of a full year from 2023 to 2024, we closely examined the often-overlooked small watercourses across four provinces in Eastern Austria (Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Carinthia). At 30 different sites, we conducted regular chemical water analyses and biological surveys (phytobenthos, macrozoobenthos, and fish). Water temperatures and water levels were even monitored continuously.

We gained significant insights into the sensitivity and variability of these small streams, as well as their immense value both for water supply and as vital habitats. Rising temperatures, prolonged dry periods, and increasing demands for use are putting these waters under growing pressure. With our findings, we aim to contribute to balancing robust protection with sustainable utilization.

We are proud to conclude this insightful project and would like to thank our partners Franz Greimel (Hydrology), the participating provinces, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management for their constructive cooperation.

The study is published on the Ministry’s website.