Examination of the influence of disturbances on the riverside runner stock in the Gesäuse National Park 2014-2015 Interim report

INTERIM REPORT 2014
The river runner breeds in the Gesäuse National Park in 0-5 breeding pairs, especially on the Enns between Gesäuse entrance and Gstatterboden. Disturbances by humans at breeding sites are discussed as a significant cause of danger.
In the Gesäuse National Park there is a ban on waterfront areas of the Enns. Designated entry and exit points as well as bathing places focus the visitors and the licensed rafting entrepreneurs on these 5 areas.
It is to be clarified whether recreational sport on the water represents a relevant influence of disturbance and thus negatively affects the breeding success of the riverside runner.