One such achievement is the end-to-end accessibility of the Rhine and the resulting return of migratory fish – especially salmon. The 2000 Salmon Program – an ongoing project despite its name – has attracted great attention in Basel as elsewhere. The first salmon have already passed the Iffezheim dam. The objective of having a natural population of salmon in the Basel section of the Rhine by 2005 seems perfectly realistic.
The Birsfelden hydropower plan also has a very effective fish ladder. Numerous fish additionally succeed in crossing the shipping locks. The Birsfelden plant is also fully behind efforts to encourage the return of beavers to the area.