The Importance of River Restoration in Salmon Conservation

Restoring rivers is a big deal for saving wild salmon, which are in serious trouble due to pollution and destroyed habitats. Imagine trying to swim miles upstream only to be blocked by a dam or stuck in polluted waters—not fun! River restoration helps by clearing these obstacles and cleaning up the water, making it cold and fresh, just the way salmon like it. Plus, they get cozy spawning areas and shady spots from reintroduced river woodlands. Healthier rivers don't just help salmon; they support loads of other wildlife too. Want to find out just how crucial this is for everyone?

Key Takeaways

• River restoration enhances habitat quality, ensuring cold, clean water crucial for salmon survival.
• Removing barriers in rivers improves salmon migration and access to spawning grounds.
• Restored riparian zones provide shade and stable temperatures, essential for salmon health.
• Effective river restoration increases salmon population, boosting overall ecosystem biodiversity.
• Collaborative river restoration efforts demonstrate positive outcomes for both salmon conservation and broader environmental health.

Current State of Salmon

The current state of salmon populations, particularly wild Scottish salmon, is alarming. In 2023, the number of wild Scottish salmon caught reached the lowest levels ever recorded, dropping by 25% from the previous year. This sharp decline brings attention to the crucial need for conservation efforts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has even classified wild Atlantic salmon as endangered in Great Britain, emphasizing the species' vulnerable status.

Salmon behavior and ecosystem interactions play an essential role in understanding these challenges. Salmon are known for their incredible journeys, swimming upstream to spawn in the rivers where they were born. This behavior not only affects their survival but also influences the health of the entire ecosystem. Healthy salmon populations contribute to nutrient cycling and provide food for other wildlife, like bears and eagles.

However, recent statistics show that the health of our rivers is in serious trouble. The decline in salmon populations is a clear indicator of broader environmental issues, such as habitat degradation and climate change.

Proactive conservation measures, including river restoration initiatives, are urgently needed to enhance salmon habitats and support their recovery. Without these efforts, the future of wild Scottish salmon remains uncertain.

Decline in Salmon Populations

In 2023, Scotland saw its lowest catch of wild salmon ever, a shocking 25% drop from the previous year.

This worrying trend has pushed the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify wild Atlantic salmon in Great Britain as endangered.

Salmon are like the "canary in the coal mine" for river health, and their dwindling numbers highlight serious problems in our rivers that need urgent attention.

Record Low Salmon Numbers

A concerning trend has emerged in Scotland as 2023 witnessed the lowest catch of wild salmon, a stark 25% decline from the previous year. This sharp drop in salmon numbers has set off alarm bells among conservationists. Salmon migration patterns have been disrupted, making it harder for these fish to reach their spawning grounds.

Stricter fishing regulations have been put in place to give the salmon a fighting chance, but it seems like more needs to be done.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has now classified wild Atlantic salmon as endangered in Great Britain. This is a big deal because salmon are like the canaries in the coal mine for river health. When their numbers drop, it signals trouble for the whole ecosystem.

Pollution and habitat degradation are major culprits behind this decline. Imagine trying to swim upstream through a river filled with obstacles and dirty water. That's what these salmon face every day.

Efforts to restore river habitats are vital to help them out. Restoring these habitats can make the rivers healthier and more resilient against climate change, giving salmon a better chance to thrive.

Urgent Conservation Needed

Addressing the alarming drop in salmon populations necessitates urgent conservation measures to prevent further decline. Scotland's record low wild salmon catch in 2023, a staggering 25% decrease from the previous year, signals a dire situation. The wild Atlantic salmon, now classified as endangered by the IUCN in Great Britain, highlights the critical need for action.

Salmon aren't just important for fishing; they tell us how healthy our rivers are. When they struggle, it means our rivers are in trouble too. Pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change are all making things worse for these fish. That's why we need sustainable practices to fix this mess, like cleaning up rivers and protecting their habitats.

We can't do this alone. Landowners and river managers must step up and form aquatic partnerships. By working together, they can reverse the harm done to salmon habitats and give these fish a fighting chance.

Imagine if we could turn things around and see salmon thriving again. It's possible, but only if we act now. Let's save these incredible fish and, in doing so, protect our rivers for future generations.

Role of River Restoration

The role of river restoration in salmon conservation is essential for enhancing habitat quality, promoting biodiversity recovery, and supporting fish populations.

By ensuring cold, clean water and removing barriers, these efforts help salmon thrive from spawning to adulthood.

Collaborative projects, like the successful reintroduction of salmon to the River Derwent, show how working together can bring back these important fish and improve overall river health.

Enhancing Habitat Quality

River restoration plays a pivotal role in enhancing habitat quality, directly benefiting salmon populations by creating conditions essential for their survival and growth. One major issue salmon face is habitat fragmentation, which disrupts their natural environment.

River restoration tackles this by improving the flow and structure of rivers, making them more hospitable for salmon. Planting more trees along riverbanks, known as riparian zones, provides shade, leading to cooler, more stable water temperatures that salmon need.

Adding aquatic vegetation also helps. These plants act like natural filters, cleaning the water and providing hiding spots for young salmon.

When rivers are re-meandered, they get their natural curves back, creating diverse microhabitats. These areas become perfect spots for salmon to find food and shelter.

Cleaner, healthier rivers mean less sediment runoff and pollution, which are big problems for salmon eggs and young fish.

Promoting Biodiversity Recovery

Enhancing biodiversity through river restoration initiatives yields multifaceted benefits for ecosystems and their inhabitants. Restoring rivers transforms them into biodiversity hotspots, which means they become places where many different species live. This is essential not only for salmon but for a variety of organisms. When we improve habitat quality, the whole ecosystem thrives, offering better ecosystem services like clean water and balanced temperatures.

River restoration often involves bringing back river woodlands and riparian zones, which are the areas right next to rivers. These zones help keep the water clean and cool, which salmon and other aquatic creatures need to survive. Initiatives like the Riverwoods campaign focus on increasing native plant diversity, making habitats better not just for salmon, but for many other species too.

Removing barriers like dams and improving river connectivity are also key parts of restoration. This allows salmon and other migratory fish to reach their spawning habitats, boosting biodiversity.

Additionally, successful restoration projects increase the abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates, tiny creatures that juvenile salmon eat. So, by helping one part of the ecosystem, we end up helping many others, making river restoration a win-win for nature.

Supporting Fish Populations

By implementing thorough river restoration strategies, we can markedly bolster fish populations, particularly salmon, which rely on specific habitat conditions for survival and reproduction.

River restoration enhances habitats by providing essential cold, clean water and secure spawning areas, vital for salmon's reproductive success.

The restoration of river woodlands and riparian zones supports the growth of diverse microhabitats. These are like tiny, cozy homes for juvenile salmon and other aquatic species. Think of it as building a whole neighborhood just for fish!

When rivers are healthy, they become perfect habitat corridors, helping fish move around easily and find what they need to thrive.

Effective river restoration efforts can really boost salmon numbers. There are awesome case studies where improved habitats have led to the return of spawning salmon in waters they had abandoned. It's like welcoming back old friends who had moved away!

Removing barriers such as dams is another big deal. It helps salmon migration by improving fish passage, so they can access more spawning habitats.

This promotes genetic diversity, making the fish populations stronger and healthier. Plus, a healthy river ecosystem means more biodiversity, which is great for everyone living there.

Riverwoods Initiative

The Riverwoods initiative's focus on restoring river woodlands and catchments is pivotal for maintaining healthy salmon habitats and overall river ecosystem health. By concentrating on community engagement and fostering ecological partnerships, Riverwoods aims to boost the resilience of river ecosystems.

Through a new awareness campaign featuring films and case studies, they're showing the importance of restoring habitats. These resources not only educate but also inspire landowners to take action.

Collaboration is at the heart of Riverwoods. Charities, organizations, and government agencies work together, aligning their efforts with biodiversity commitments. This teamwork amplifies the impact of restoration activities, ensuring that salmon spawning and reproduction areas are preserved and enhanced.

But why should we care about this? Because the health of our rivers affects everyone. Rivers are lifelines for countless species, and by making them stronger, we help protect the salmon and the broader ecosystem.

Plus, healthier rivers can better withstand the effects of climate change.

Riverwoods' ultimate goal is to create a thriving environment where salmon and other organisms can flourish. By engaging communities and forming strong partnerships, they're making significant strides toward a more sustainable future.

Challenges in River Ecosystems

Rivers face a lot of challenges that make it hard for salmon to survive.

Pollution and over-grazing damage water quality, while invasive species outcompete native fish.

Climate change adds extra stress, causing temperatures to rise and water levels to drop, which is especially tough on salmon.

Pollution and Over-Grazing

Addressing pollution and over-grazing is vital in mitigating the challenges faced by river ecosystems and guaranteeing the conservation of salmon populations. Pollution from sewage management and poor agricultural practices introduces harmful bacteria and toxins into rivers, markedly impacting salmon health and reproductive success. Nutrient runoff from sewage can cause harmful algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and creating inhospitable conditions for salmon and other aquatic life.

Moreover, over-grazing by livestock along riverbanks contributes to soil erosion and habitat degradation. This degradation diminishes water quality and salmon spawning grounds, disrupting the ecosystem balance. Effective pollution control, including improved water filtration and riparian restoration, is imperative to mitigate these impacts. Conservation policies also play a vital role in addressing these issues to guarantee a healthy habitat for salmon.

Here's a quick table to summarize the impacts and solutions:

Issue	Impact on Rivers and Salmon
Sewage Management	Introduces harmful bacteria and toxins
Agricultural Practices	Causes nutrient runoff leading to algal blooms
Livestock Grazing	Leads to soil erosion and habitat degradation
Riparian Restoration	Helps improve water filtration and ecosystem balance

Addressing these challenges is imperative for the recovery of river ecosystems and the conservation of salmon.

Invasive Species Threats

Invasive species pose significant challenges to river ecosystems, particularly for native salmon populations. Non-native fish and plants compete fiercely with salmon for vital resources, alter their habitats, and even introduce harmful diseases. This battle for survival often leads to a decrease in biodiversity, making the river environment less healthy for salmon.

Imagine trying to live in a house where every room is crowded with strangers who eat your food and mess up your stuff—it's tough!

Invasive herbivores are another problem. They over-graze riparian zones, which are the lush areas beside rivers that young salmon depend on for cover and food. When these zones are degraded, it's like having your bedroom turned into a barren wasteland—pretty grim, right?

Invasive species also mess up the natural food web. They reduce the populations of macroinvertebrates, which are tiny creatures that salmon love to eat. Without these tasty snacks, salmon struggle to grow big and strong.

Effective invasive species management is essential for ecosystem restoration. By controlling or eliminating invasive species, we can help restore the balance, ensuring that rivers remain vibrant and supportive environments for salmon and other native species.

Climate Change Impact

Climate change is increasingly exacerbating the challenges faced by river ecosystems, particularly for salmon populations. Rising temperatures and altered water flows are making it harder for these fish to survive.

For example, flood flows are expected to increase, causing a 4% drop in steelhead and a 15% decrease in spring-run Chinook salmon spawner numbers. Warmer stream temperatures are even more alarming, leading to an 87% decline in spring-run Chinook and a 12% decrease in fall-run Chinook salmon.

Pollution adds to the woes, with UK rivers suffering from sewage and storm overflow. This contamination results in harmful algal blooms that suck up the oxygen salmon need to live.

On top of that, less water and more extraction, especially in dry areas, make things worse for these fish. Historical changes like damming and straightening rivers have messed up natural habitats, reducing biodiversity.

So, river restoration is crucial for salmon recovery. To build climate resilience, we need to focus on habitat adaptation. Fixing rivers helps salmon cope with these challenges, giving them a fighting chance.

In short, if we want salmon to thrive, we must restore and protect their river homes.

Benefits of Restoration

River restoration offers numerous benefits, particularly in the context of salmon conservation. Restoring rivers enhances ecosystem services, which are essential for the survival and reproduction of salmon. Healthy rivers provide cold, clean water necessary for young salmon, ensuring they can develop properly.

Additionally, habitat connectivity is improved, allowing salmon to migrate more easily and access important spawning grounds.

Here are four key benefits of river restoration:

1. Improved Water Quality: Restoration efforts lead to cleaner water. This is crucial for salmon to spawn successfully and for the growth of their populations.
2. Increased Biodiversity: Restored river woodlands create habitats for a wide range of species. This increase in biodiversity helps the ecosystem become more resilient against climate change, benefiting salmon and other wildlife.
3. Enhanced Riparian Zones: These areas serve as important wildlife corridors. They support various migratory species alongside salmon, promoting ecological balance and stability.
4. Population Boosts: Successful restoration projects have been shown to markedly boost salmon populations. For example, spawning salmon have returned to previously degraded rivers, proving the effectiveness of these initiatives.

In short, river restoration not only helps salmon but also improves the overall health of our aquatic ecosystems.

Importance of Healthy Rivers

Healthy rivers are essential for many reasons.

They support diverse ecosystems, which helps all kinds of plants and animals thrive, not just salmon.

Also, by enhancing water quality, healthy rivers guarantee that everything living in and around them can flourish, creating a balanced and vibrant environment.

Indicators of River Health

Understanding the indicators of river health is essential for the conservation of Atlantic salmon, a species that mirrors the overall importance of aquatic ecosystems.

Healthy rivers are teeming with life and diverse habitats, critical for supporting river biodiversity. When these rivers thrive, they provide the clean, cold water that salmon need to spawn and grow.

To gauge the health of a river, scientists look at ecosystem indicators. These signs tell us how well the river is doing and what might need fixing.

Here are four important indicators:

1. Water Quality: Clean water free from pollutants is crucial. Polluted rivers can harm salmon eggs and juveniles, making it hard for them to survive.
2. Biodiversity: A variety of plants, insects, and fish species indicate a healthy ecosystem. High biodiversity means the river can support salmon at different life stages.
3. Flow Regime: Natural water flow patterns are essential. Disruptions can affect salmon migration and habitat.
4. Physical Habitat: Good riverbanks and riverbeds, with plenty of hiding spots and spawning areas, are critical for salmon development.

Supporting Diverse Ecosystems

Maintaining vibrant and diverse ecosystems hinges on the health of our rivers, which serve as lifelines for countless species, including the endangered Atlantic salmon. Healthy rivers provide the cold, clean water essential for young salmon to grow and thrive. Without these conditions, salmon populations struggle to survive, showing just how vital river health is for their conservation.

River restoration efforts play a big role in creating better habitats for adult salmon to spawn. This not only boosts the number of salmon but also supports the overall health of the river. When we restore rivers, we mend the broken parts of the ecosystem, reducing habitat fragmentation. This helps different species, from tiny insects to big birds, find the places they need to live and grow.

Healthy rivers offer many ecosystem services, like supporting biodiversity. A river with a rich variety of life is more balanced and resilient. It can better withstand changes and recover from disturbances.

For the endangered Atlantic salmon, and many other species, river restoration is a lifeline. By improving river ecosystems, we help guarantee these species have a better chance at survival, making our natural world richer and more vibrant.

Enhancing Water Quality

A significant factor in the conservation of Atlantic salmon is the enhancement of water quality in river ecosystems. Healthy rivers are essential for providing cold, clean water, which young salmon need to survive.

Sadly, pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff can mess with water quality, leading to harmful algal blooms. These blooms reduce oxygen levels, making it hard for salmon to thrive.

To boost water quality, we can take several steps:

1. Tree Planting: Planting trees along riverbanks helps with water filtration and keeps the water cool.
2. Improving Riparian Zones: These areas act like buffers, filtering out pollutants before they reach the rivers.
3. Reducing Sediment Runoff: Better farming practices prevent soil from washing into rivers, which is essential for salmon reproduction.
4. Monitoring Water Quality: Keeping an eye on water conditions guarantees that any issues are quickly addressed, maintaining ecosystem resilience.

Habitat Restoration Strategies

To enhance the natural river habitats vital for salmon conservation, habitat restoration strategies focus on reversing the adverse effects of canalization and bolstering riparian zones. One key approach is riverbank restoration, which involves reshaping riverbanks to their natural state. This helps create diverse microhabitats, ensuring that salmon and other species have the varied environments they need to thrive.

By doing this, we also support a rich food web, which is essential for salmon survival.

Another important strategy is improving habitat connectivity. This means removing barriers like dams and weirs that block the movement of migratory fish. When these barriers are gone, salmon can travel freely to reach their spawning and rearing grounds.

Besides, re-meandering rivers, which involves allowing them to flow naturally rather than in straightened channels, also helps. It creates more varied habitats and supports better ecosystem health.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation are vital as well. By keeping an eye on how these restoration efforts are working, we can make sure they are helping salmon populations grow.

These efforts not only benefit salmon but also contribute to the overall health of river ecosystems, making them more resilient and vibrant.

Tree Planting Benefits

Enhancing river habitats for salmon conservation extends beyond reshaping riverbanks and removing barriers; it also involves strategic tree planting in riparian zones. This might sound simple, but tree planting packs a punch when it comes to helping salmon and their ecosystems thrive. Trees do more than just stand there looking pretty.

1. Temperature Regulation: Trees provide shade, keeping river waters cool, which is essential for salmon, especially during the hot summer months. Cooler water means better survival rates for these fish.
2. Improved Water Quality: When trees line riverbanks, they help stop sediment and pollutants from washing into the river. This cleaner water is vital for salmon to reproduce successfully.
3. Habitat for Wildlife: Tree corridors create homes for all sorts of critters like birds and insects. These creatures play important roles in the food web, which ultimately benefits salmon.
4. Carbon Storage: Trees also capture carbon, helping to tackle climate change. This makes river ecosystems more resilient, which is fantastic news for long-term salmon conservation.

Getting communities involved in tree planting fosters ecological education and strengthens community engagement, making it a win-win for everyone.

Water Quality Management

Effective water quality management is critical in salmon conservation, given the species' acute sensitivity to pollutants. Contaminated rivers, often due to sewage and storm overflow scandals, introduce harmful bacteria and toxins that greatly impact salmon reproduction and survival. To counter these issues, rigorous water treatment and pollution control measures are necessary.

Sediment runoff from agricultural practices adds to the problem, clogging salmon spawning grounds and reducing juvenile survival rates. Effective sediment management is thus essential.

Monitoring aquatic ecosystems through habitat monitoring and biodiversity metrics provides valuable insights into the health of the river and its inhabitants. For instance, aquatic macroinvertebrates, which thrive in clean water, form an indispensable part of the salmon's food web and serve as indicators of water quality.

River governance plays a significant role in enforcing these water quality standards. Implementing restoration techniques, such as improving nutrient cycling, helps maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

Community engagement is also key, as local involvement in pollution control and habitat monitoring fosters a collective effort towards river restoration. Overall, a combination of advanced water treatment and community-driven initiatives is necessary to guarantee the thriving of salmon populations and the broader health of our rivers.

River Connectivity

While water quality management is essential for salmon conservation, river connectivity is equally significant in ensuring the longevity and health of salmon populations.

River connectivity initiatives, like installing fish passes and removing dams, play a vital role in enabling fish migration. For instance, the removal of barriers like the Snake Lane Weir has opened up 10 km of spawning habitat in the River Derwent, showcasing the positive impact of such projects on salmon populations.

Enhanced river connectivity promotes overall ecosystem health by restoring natural hydrology and biodiversity. This not only benefits salmon but also supports other migratory species.

The importance of habitat connectivity can't be overstated, especially when it comes to fish migration and the resilience of fish populations against environmental changes.

Consider the following benefits of river connectivity projects:

1. Increased Access to Spawning Habitats: Projects like fish passes enable salmon to reach upstream spawning grounds.
2. Enhanced Biodiversity: Restoring river connectivity helps various species thrive, creating a more balanced ecosystem.
3. Resilience Against Environmental Changes: Connected rivers help fish populations adapt to changes in their environment.
4. Improved Ecosystem Health: Removing barriers restores natural river flow, benefiting the entire aquatic community.

River connectivity is key to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of salmon.

Collaborative Conservation Efforts

Collaborative conservation efforts are fundamental in advancing salmon restoration projects, leveraging the strengths of various stakeholders, including charities, organizations, and government agencies. The Riverwoods initiative exemplifies how community partnerships can drive meaningful change by restoring river woodlands and catchments. These efforts create improved habitats for salmon, showcasing the power of collective action.

Organizations like the Atlantic Salmon Trust and Fisheries Management Scotland play pivotal roles in these endeavors. Their expertise and joint activities are essential for enhancing conservation strategies. They collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and coordinate activities that directly aid salmon restoration.

A key aspect of these efforts is funding strategies. With limited resources, it's essential to allocate funds strategically. Advocacy and awareness campaigns, such as those by Riverwoods, are instrumental in securing support. They inspire landowners and managers to participate in ecological restoration, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

Moreover, resources like the Missing Salmon Alliance website keep the community engaged. They provide updates on environmental campaigns and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Through these collaborative efforts, we can make significant strides in salmon conservation and river restoration.

Return of Atlantic Salmon

The return of Atlantic salmon to the upper waters of the River Derwent, after a century-long absence, marks a notable milestone in river health and restoration efforts. This incredible comeback is a direct result of concerted efforts to improve salmon migration and create ideal spawning conditions.

Historically, industrial activities had driven these majestic fish to extinction in Derbyshire rivers, but recent restoration projects have reversed this trend.

Key improvements facilitating this remarkable return include:

1. Barrier Removal: The removal of the Snake Lane Weir opened up 10 km of upstream habitat, essential for salmon migration and spawning.
2. River Restoration: The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's ongoing work on the Ecclesbourne River aims to restore its natural path, further enhancing conditions for salmon.
3. Environmental Awareness: Increased public interest and awareness have fostered a community supportive of salmon conservation.
4. Improved Water Quality: Restoration projects have considerably improved water quality, creating conducive spawning conditions vital for salmon reintroduction.

These efforts not only highlight the resilience of Atlantic salmon but also underscore the importance of maintaining healthy river ecosystems.

The journey of these fish, traveling back to their ancestral spawning grounds, is a reflection of the power of effective conservation strategies.

Life Cycle of Salmon

Understanding the life cycle of Atlantic salmon is essential for effective conservation efforts. These incredible fish start as tiny eggs, hatching in January or February. Once hatched, they become alevins, then parr, spending 1-2 years in freshwater environments. During this time, their stripy coloration helps them blend into the river vegetation, avoiding predators.

Life Stage	Key Characteristics
Egg	January/February hatching
Parr	Stripy coloration for camouflage
Smolt	Silvery sheen for marine adaptation

As parr shift to smolts, they lose their stripes and gain a silvery sheen, prepping for life in the ocean. These smolts then set out on a formidable migration to the northeast Atlantic. There, they feast on prawns and other prey, growing strong for the journey back to their spawning grounds.

But returning isn't easy. Migration challenges like maneuvering around obstacles and changing environments test their endurance. These hurdles impact juvenile survival and adult returns, highlighting the key link between river health and salmon survival. Clean water, proper flow management, and abundant habitats are essential for their success. River restoration efforts guarantee these majestic fish can thrive and continue their incredible life cycle, from egg hatching to spawning grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is River Restoration Important?

River restoration is important as it leads to habitat enhancement and improved water quality, which are essential for supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change effects, and ensuring the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Why Is the Salmon River Important?

The Salmon River is essential for providing an important salmon habitat, supporting endangered Atlantic salmon by ensuring high water quality, which is necessary for their spawning and rearing, thereby reflecting the overall health and biodiversity of the ecosystem.

What Are the Objectives of River Restoration?

The primary objectives of river restoration include habitat enhancement for fish populations and improving water quality. These efforts aim to remove barriers, restore natural hydrology, and increase biodiversity, ultimately promoting sustainable and resilient river ecosystems.

What Are the Economic Benefits of River Restoration?

The economic benefits of river restoration include boosting river tourism and enhancing habitat revitalization, which can attract outdoor enthusiasts, increase property values, reduce water treatment costs, support fisheries, and provide long-term savings through improved ecosystem services.

Conclusion

River restoration plays an essential role in salmon conservation. With salmon populations in decline, efforts like the Riverwoods Initiative and collaborative conservation are vital. Challenges such as river connectivity must be addressed to support the life cycle of salmon. The return of Atlantic salmon signifies the success of these initiatives. Consequently, restoring rivers not only helps in conserving salmon but also enhances the health of entire ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of continued restoration efforts.