Salmon 2000

This programme was targeted at improving the Rhine ecosystem to such an extent that salmon and other migratory fish could again become native in the river by the year 2000. Salmon 2020 continues the successful actions for migratory fish of the past programme Salmon 2000.

Thanks to the active participation of all Rhine bordering countries and of many fisheries associations, Salmon 2000 / Salmon 2020 have been successful:

• In 2015, more than 700 salmon were counted in the Rhine system. In the sole observation station at the fish passage in Iffezheim (Upper Rhine), 228 salmon were registered, which is considerably more than in previous years.
• In 2015 the fish passage in Strasbourg was put into service. 2018 the sluice management at the Haringvliet will be improved.
• In 2006, the Gambsheim fish passage was opened. During the first year, more than 60.000 fish (23 species) migrated upstream through this passage. However, there are further barrages obstructing the way upstream into the High Rhine. A feasibility study for further fish passages along these barrages has been conducted (ICPR report no. 158). Much remains to be done.
• In 2000, the Iffezheim fish passage was opened.
• In 1996, 32 salmon ready to spawn and 63 sea trout were caught during electro fishing at the foot of the Iffezheim barrage and transported to the spawning rivers upstream.
• Since 1995, salmon migrate 700 km upstream into the Upper Rhine until the Iffezheim barrage.
• Since 1990, first salmon migrate upstream from the North Sea through the Rhine delta and the Lower Rhine into the R. Sieg, where they naturally reproduce since 1994.