Artificial beaver dams saw juvenile coho salmon survival rates go from 8% to 60%
Researchers installed artificial beaver dams in a river to improve habitat for juvenile coho salmon. The structures created pools that reduced water velocity and increased food availability. Over a monitoring period, survival of young salmon rose dramatically, from about 8% before the dams to roughly 60% after installation. The study demonstrates how engineered wetlands can boost fish populations and support ecosystem health.