Where possible, barriers such as dams, culverts, and debris are removed. Construction of artificial passageways, like fish ladders and lifts, help fish get over or around larger dams. Since 1989, almost 200 miles of spawning habitat has been restored and more rivers are slated for opening. Additional restoration efforts include restocking depleted streams with herring transferred from other river systems. The water quality of spawning and nursery habitat must also improve.
Citizens can help.
Maintaining streamside forests or vegetative buffers, and reducing the amount of nutrients applied to farms and yards, are two simple ways to protect the water quality of spawning grounds.