It has been noticed that migrating fish gather in the River Venta near Vieksniai in spring and autumn. Salmon and other fish traveling to their spawning grounds in spring fail to overcome barriers ? a 3.5m high Vieksniai watermill dike and Rudikiai (Papartyne) mill embankment, which is somewhat higher. Although the region is rich in its natural resources, tourists do not come there often. Venta Regional Park lacks tourism infrastructure and information as well.
The goal of the project is to restore fish populations and to increase the stocks of rare fish in the Venta River, to improve conditions of migration and spawning by establishing fish migration paths near Vieksniai and Papartyne dams and to encourage the development of environmentally friendly tourism as well as to improve social and economic conditions of local communities.
Fish pass-way near Papartyne was built with the help of private business. Construction works of Vieksniai fish pass-way were begun, but as the site is in the area of a historical object, the expenses of fish pass-way construction grew by several times because of the change of Cultural Heritage Protection Department (KVAD) requirements during the project, and NGO had to swiftly look for additional funds. In order to promote tourism on the Venta River, fireplaces have been established, 4 awnings and 5 camping sites have been set up, and marinas will be fit at both the mills. Information booklets have been published, seminars and Fisherman?s Festival were organized with over 900 people participating, and information about the project was publicized in the mass media. Akmene, Mazeikiai, Siauliai district municipalities and business enterprises have supported fish pass-way construction works.