Salmon: (almost) ready to make a comeback in Switzerland
Salmon were once native to Switzerland, but died out here in the 1960s. Pollution, construction and power plants prevented them from migrating along the Rhine. But the good news is that they are about to make a comeback. With SWICA Benevita community coins, we are supporting WWF's efforts to return salmon to Switzerland.
Insurmountable obstacles
Salmon are migrating fish. After growing to maturity in rivers and streams they set off for the ocean – a journey that often covers thousands of kilometres. Ultimately when it's time to spawn they return to where they originated from, and the cycle begins again.
There is a reason why they make this arduous journey. While the conditions in the oxygen-rich waters of Switzerland such as the rivers Rhine, Aare and Limmat are good for young salmon to mature in, the adult fish meet their food requirements by hunting large swarms of krill found in the ocean.
The journey can only be made along a living, healthy and obstacle-free river. The migration of salmon along the Rhine came to an abrupt end in the first half of the last century, as rivers were channelled, hydroelectric power plants were built, and water quality deteriorated. These are all factors that negatively impact and prevent the natural movements of salmon and other migrating fish.
Thankfully, humans have learned from their mistakes and started to correct some of them in recent years. But there is still work to be done before the salmon can return to Switzerland and feel comfortable in our waters. WWF has bundled the necessary measures together in its “Salmon Come Back” project.
What your community coins can achieve
The work that WWF is doing to help salmon return to Switzerland includes the following measures, which your donations will help to fund.
- Making rivers passable: Salmon should be able to migrate up the Rhine to their birthplace in Switzerland, and also swim downstream to the sea. Currently there are still three hydroelectric power plants in Alsace that need to install fish passes, and in Switzerland there are also a number of power plants in need of renovation.
- Improving the habitat: Lost habitats have to be restored. Salmon need gravel banks to deposit their eggs, and as young fish they require a variety of habitats. These can be recreated by means of restoration projects.
- Generating interest: The salmon is a symbol of the work we are doing, and encourages people's interest in having bodies of water that are full of life and variety. It helps us draw attention to existing problems, and all work together to find solutions. Everyone should be able to play a part in this.
What is peat and why is it harvested?
Peat consists largely of dead plant material that is not completely decomposed in the water-saturated moorland. Peatland plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, incorporate it into their plant biomass and sequester it after they die. Peat soils take a very long time to develop – about a thousand years for a peat layer of one metre. If the water is removed from the peat soils, the climate-damaging gases are released.
In Switzerland, peatlands and moorland landscapes have been safeguarded since 1987 when voters accepted the Rothenthurm Initiative protecting peatlands. Peat extraction was also banned. This country is alone in this, as almost 29 million tonnes of peat were extracted worldwide in 2020 alone, mainly in Europe.
The reason is that peat is an excellent substrate for growing flowers and vegetables. Unfortunately, imported peat is in great demand in Switzerland too, even though there are now climate-friendly alternatives. And despite constitutional protection, the area and ecological quality of peatlands continues to decline - a threat to biodiversity and the climate.
Interesting facts about salmon
Previous successful projects
These WWF projects were accomplished through or with the help of your community coins.
SWICA and Sports Aid Switzerland: partnering for passion in sports
Regular exercise is a key foundation of a healthy life, which is why SWICA has long been dedicated to encouraging an active lifestyle. And when the joy of movement grows into real ambitions, Swiss Sports Aid is there to provide support. The partnership with Benevita reaches the peak of perfection when aspiring athletes inspire others to get active as well.
