EU could 'simply' restore fish species 28. Dec 2020, 09:02 Europe could boost biodiversity in its rivers by removing many of the "obsolete" dams, weirs, culverts, fords, sluices and other barriers, 1.2m of which have built up over time, according to EU-funded research by the UK's Swansea University. River-fragmentation in Europe was "much higher" than anticipated, the study found. "Free-flowing rivers are healthy rivers and barrier removal is a simple tool to restore fish species," one of the researchers said. Read and decide Get instant access to all articles — and 20 years of archives. 14-day free trial. Choose your plan Our exclusive news stories and investigations. Influential. Investigative. Independent.