To implement the Integrated Rhine Programme (IRP), over 55 Mio tons of gravel will be dug out, to create large volumes of retention capacity in the area of the Upper Rhine, near Cologne for example. The existing vegetation will be destroyed. Nature protection organisations, fishermen’s associations and fishery organisations have been involved in the project from an early stage. Because of the very constricted framework, there is not much they can achieve against imminent destruction and a potential levelling of biodiversity.

From a conversation with Michael Wilke, Trinational Centre for the Environment Weil am Rhein

From 1984 juvenile salmon have been released in the canton of Basel-Stadt. In 2012, 2000 summerlings have been released into the Rhine and 1000 summerlings into the Wiese. 4300 all together, including 1000 juvenile salmon in the Birs and 300 in the New Pond. Compared to the stocking of fry, less fish are released, but the chance of survival of summerlings is bigger, as they have spent part of the dangerous juvenile stage protected in the pisciculture. Summerlings hatch in winter and are released the following autumn.

Source: Office for the Environment and Energy of Canton Basel-Stadt