During the demolition of a dam, the sediments deposited in it are released. “At first it seems chaotic because gravel and trees fall, but it is a natural process that gives life to the river,” explains José Ardaiz, head of Ríos of the Government of Navarra. The demolition of a dam built in Lapurdi on the Urdazuri River has allowed salmon to reach Navarros which have not yet arrived.

By removing the obstacle, salmon and other species will be able to find “better places for laying”: “They will be able to cope with low-flow rivers and temperatures, reaching cooler waters with more oxygen”. The news is particularly good for salmon because in recent years the quantity has decreased considerably. Therefore, in Navarra salmon fishing is prohibited in the years 2023 and 2024. Salmon has a long history rope in the Basque Country.

With a height of five meters it was impossible to overcome the barrier for all fish, with few being able to overcome the obstacle. The European Open Rivers project and a fishing federation have been demolished. It was in the summer of 2023 and by December half a dozen salmon arrived in Navarra to spawn, since for the first time there are records.

The Urdazuri River was born in Dantxarinea (Navarra), linking the Otsondo and Orabidea rivers, and flows between San Juan de Luz (Lapurdi) and Ziburu (Lapurdi). The dam was located on the border between Lapurdi and Navarra, collecting non-consumptive water. It's not clear when it was built, but it was created before 1775. Until the early 20th century, it was used by a flour mill. Then I fed a crushing stone.