The Fish Migration River is the world’s first artificial river designed to allow migratory fish to travel freely between fresh and saltwater, supporting biodiversity preservation. Located at the Afsluitdijk in Friesland, this kilometre-long meandering waterway reconnects the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer, contributing to the recovery of fish populations and the strengthening of the local ecosystem. The project reflects Friesland’s commitment to sustainable biodiversity restoration through circular water management principles.

By focusing on restoring natural water flows and removing barriers, the initiative not only enhances the local aquatic ecosystem but also promotes more efficient water use. Circular water management in this context helps prevent contamination, reduces the need for extensive water processing, and facilitates water reuse—further protecting and regenerating the environment. This approach demonstrates how circular principles can be integrated into water management to promote long-term ecological sustainability and resilience.

Over the years, dams and other barriers have disrupted natural fish migration routes in Friesland's waterways, leading to a decline in aquatic biodiversity and fish populations. Additionally, traditional water management systems often focus on controlling water flow without accounting for the long-term ecological impact, leading to contamination and increased water treatment needs. This inefficiency in water management not only harms ecosystems but also strains resources and energy.

The Fish Migration River project embraces a circular approach to water management by restoring natural river flows, removing barriers, and enhancing connectivity between water systems. By re-establishing fish migration routes and adopting sustainable water management practices, the project reduces water contamination, consequently minimising the need for extensive processing and treatment. This approach not only restores biodiversity and supports aquatic life but also ensures efficient water use and enables water reuse, reducing waste while boosting ecosystem resilience. The use of natural materials for habitat restoration and the integration of low-maintenance solutions further enhances the project's long-term sustainability.

The restoration of fish migration routes has improved fish populations and the overall health of the ecosystem, exemplifying how circular water management can drive ecological regeneration. By reducing contamination and the need for costly water treatment, the project has streamlined the water cycle, promoting sustainable water reuse. This aligns with circular water management principles, ensuring that water systems remain clean, accessible, and efficient while safeguarding local wildlife and biodiversity. The success of the project has made it a model for other regions, demonstrating how circular water management can tackle environmental challenges while enhancing biodiversity protection.

The Fish Migration River is part of Friesland’s broader commitment to integrating circular economy principles into environmental management and water governance. This initiative illustrates how a circular approach can create efficient, sustainable, and resilient water systems. By protecting and restoring ecosystems, the project enhances biodiversity, supports wildlife, and improves water quality. Through the use of circular water management, the project establishes a regenerative system, ensuring that water is not only managed efficiently but also returned to ecosystems in a way that promotes long-term ecological health and reduces environmental impact.