Wildlife Conservation

Wild Freshwater Fish Passage Barriers

Dams and culverts block fish migration routes, disrupting spawning behavior and causing population declines in migratory freshwater species.

Key Facts

An estimated 60 percent of large rivers are fragmented by dams
Salmon and other anadromous fish require unobstructed river access to spawn
Fish ladders vary widely in effectiveness for different species
Dam removal is increasingly recognized as the most effective restoration tool

Welfare Considerations

Fish blocked from spawning habitat experience elevated stress hormones and are unable to complete their biological imperative. Crowding at migration barriers increases disease transmission and predation risk. Fish that cannot reach natal spawning grounds either fail to reproduce or die without spawning, representing both welfare harm and population loss.

What You Can Do

Support dam removal and river restoration projects
Advocate for effective fish passage requirements on new infrastructure
Participate in river monitoring and fish population surveys
Choose seafood certified to avoid impacts on migratory fish populations