Please select your home edition
Edition

Video: The science of restoration - Good salmon habitat works

by NOAA Fisheries 15 Apr 20:45 UTC
Aerial view of restored floodplain habitat and agricultural property near Sacramento, California © NOAA Fisheries

Juvenile salmon grow strong where water slows down and weaves across floodplains, with lush vegetation that provides refuge and fosters food for their journey to the ocean.

The problem for the salmon is that much of the natural habitat they historically relied on is gone. We have straightened rivers, built levees to stop those rivers from spreading out into their floodplains, and built roads and culverts that make it impossible for fish to reach the best and most productive habitat.

For decades we have been working with community partners to bring more of that habitat back, and our research and monitoring is proving it works. With funding from NOAA's Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund and other sources, states and tribes undertake thousands of restoration projects every year. With more projects on the way due to increased funding, we'll have improved water quality, air quality, habitat for species, and outdoor opportunities for individuals—this means a healthy world for everyone.

Related Articles

U.S. leads conservation gains in EPF
Fishing panel adopts policies to bar shark finning and reduce ocean waste Sharks and North Pacific albacore tuna—some of the ocean's top predators—won new protections from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The actions marked conservation successes for the U.S. delegation, who helped negotiate their passage. Posted on 2 Oct
Restoring habitat for Florida sport fish
NOAA and partners are monitoring how coastal habitat restoration is supporting Florida's fisheries Nestled near Tampa Bay in Bradenton, Florida, Robinson Preserve is a popular destination for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and more. Posted on 26 Sep
National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy
Update released by NOAA Fisheries after extensive engagement with the recreational fishing community Extensive engagement with the recreational fishing community informed the updates to the 2015 policy. Posted on 24 Sep
NOAA supports fishing gear marking efforts
Marking fishing gear helps us understand the origin of gear entangling whales Nobody wants to catch a whale. By marking their gear clearly, fishermen and other ocean users help reduce the risk of that happening. Posted on 18 Sep
Are fishermen prepared for climate change?
More planning is needed to help fishing communities in the Gulf of Alaska Scientists found that more planning is needed to help fishing communities in the Gulf of Alaska adapt and mitigate the potential economic impacts of climate change. Posted on 2 Sep
NOAA Fisheries recommends $106.1M
In Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Funding To support West Coast salmon and steelhead populations, NOAA Fisheries is recommending $106.1 million in funding for 16 new and continuing programs and projects through our Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund grant program. Posted on 18 Aug
Predicting the future to reduce shark bycatch
We need reliable ways to locate sharks, NOAA Fisheries has found one Many people would like to be able to predict where sharks are found in the ocean. Posted on 15 Aug
Large heatwave reaches Oregon & Washington Coasts
Researchers are tracking indicators for signs of impacts, such as harmful algal blooms A large marine heatwave that developed offshore has reached the coast of Oregon and Washington. It increases the potential for harmful algal blooms and other impacts on the coastal ecosystem and marine life in the coming weeks and months. Posted on 14 Aug
Debunking common shark myths
We're taking a look at some common misconceptions surrounding shark populations and their management Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Posted on 31 Jul
$3.2M recommended for Great Lakes Restoration
Funding for two ongoing and two new cooperative agreements will support habitat restoration efforts NOAA Fisheries is recommending $3.2 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to continue ongoing work restoring important habitat for fisheries in the Great Lakes. Posted on 28 Jul