Background The Montemarcello-Magra Park contains the only Italian rivers in which successful reproduction of the Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) has been seen: the Magra and Vara rivers. These rivers also host many other important migratory fish species of European Community interest, both those migrating between seawater and freshwater (diadromous) and those migrating within the basin during the reproductive period, including Twaite shad (Alosa fallax), Western vairone (Leuciscus souffia), South European roach (Rutilus rubilio) and the Italian barbel (Barbus plebejus). However, artificial obstructions, such as boulders and dams, have interrupted the natural continuity of the river and fragmented fish populations, preventing some fish species from migrating to their natural reproduction areas when the river is low. As the fish, including Sea lamprey, are forced to reproduce in parts of the river unsuitable for the development of their eggs, successful reproduction has significantly declined. This represents an important threat to riverine fish species. Objectives The LIFE PARC project aimed to improve the conservation status of Petromyzon marinus, Alosa fallax, Leuciscus souffia, Rutilus rubilio and Barbus plebejus by restoring the fluvial and ecological continuity of the Magra and Vara rivers in the Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park. The main objective was the creation of nine fish passes to overcome significant obstructions to migrating fish reaching their natural reproduction areas, even those species attempting to swim upstream in low water flows. The beneficiary planned to extend suitable migratory fish reproduction areas by 59 ha and increase the area of habitat specifically suitable for the development of sea lamprey ammocoetes (the burrowing blind larval stage) by nearly 15 ha. The project also aimed to identify examples of best management practice, for the conservation of target species and riverbed habitat, and to promote increased awareness among the local population and fishing associations of the importance of conserving migrating fish species. Results The LIFE PARC project successfully improved river continuity in the Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park, despite major flooding problems occurring during the project. Four fish ramps were installed on the river Magra and another four along the river Vara. River continuity was established for about 50 km. Four observation areas along the Vara were restored by ground levelling and the installation of fences, informative panels, and huts in two cases. The monitoring data showed clearly the positive impact of the fish ramps. There was a hundredfold increase in the number of Sea lamprey reproduction sites, as evidenced by the presence of ammocoetes (larvae). Twaite shad were observed 19 km beyond the location registered at the projet start (41 km from the sea); reclimbing of twaite shad had never been observed in this upper part of the Vara river before the installation of the fish ramps. Monitoring of target species and surveillance activities were carried out by the associated beneficiaries the University of Genova and La Spezia Province, with the collaboration of local fishermen’s associations. The construction of the fish ramps on the Magra and Vara rivers by the LIFE PARC project was the first management intervention of this type in Italy. It represented an example of good management practice for future projects in other areas. Flood damage at one project site demolished a boulder dam, so boulders had to be replaced. Additional work also led to improved river quality through the placing of large boulders in the river bed and the constructing of breakwaters with boulders or vegetation, in order to diversify the banks and the current, and the planting of autochthonous plant species. Raised awareness of fish conservation among fishing associations and increased surveillance of the rivers should reduce poaching and other destructive human activities, such as using lamprey larvae for bait. Project actions have also raised awareness among the local population and public administrators about the urgent conservation needs of the target fish species. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).