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 BENEVITA community coins, we are supporting WWF's efforts to return salmon to Switzerland.

Overview

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Interesting facts about salmon

Healthy water
Salmon prefer oxygen-rich, dynamic and above all healthy rivers. This is water that we also end up drinking. What's good for the salmon is good for us, too.
Masters of transformation
From pea-sized specimens to ones that are more than one-and-a-half metres long, and the ability to transition from fresh to salt water thanks to a process known as osmoregulation, salmon are real masters of transformation.
Long-distance travellers
Some salmon swim distances of up to 10 000 kilometres over the course of their lives. They are guided by the Earth's magnetic field, and can overcome obstacles that are several metres high.
Endangered species around the world
Salmon stocks have fallen so dramatically in the last 15 years that, in 2023, the International Union for Conservation of Nature put salmon on its red list of potentially endangered species.
Harmful farming
In Europe, salmon are mainly farmed in Norway. Corralled in tightly together, the farms are a source of many diseases and parasites that contaminate the ecosystem.

Previous successful projects

These WWF projects were accomplished through or with the help of your community coins.

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For the health of mankind and the environment

Man and his environment in perfect harmony - an intact natural world has a direct, positive influence on our wellbeing. That's why SWICA, as a healthcare organisation, supports WWF's environmental work. Read more about our partnership on our website.

Find out more

Benefits of BENEVITA

Live healthily with BENEVITA

Physical fitness, a balanced diet and regular relaxation are important for a healthy lifestyle. BENEVITA is a health coach and bonus programme that supports your personal commitment in these areas of health.

Donate to nature projects as a community

When you complete challenges in the BENEVITA app, in addition to the points you can swap for generous discounts, you also receive community coins that you can pool with those of other users and donate to selected WWF projects.

BENEVITA challenges with WWF

How to actively help protect nature and biodiversity. WWF presents exciting challenges in the BENEVITA app: create a paradise for wild bees in your garden or find out how to travel sustainably.

Live healthily with BENEVITA

Physical fitness, a balanced diet and regular relaxation are important for a healthy lifestyle. BENEVITA is a health coach and bonus programme that supports your personal commitment in these areas of health.

Donate to nature projects as a community

When you complete challenges in the BENEVITA app, in addition to the points you can swap for generous discounts, you also receive community coins that you can pool with those of other users and donate to selected WWF projects.

BENEVITA challenges with WWF

How to actively help protect nature and biodiversity. WWF presents exciting challenges in the BENEVITA app: create a paradise for wild bees in your garden or find out how to travel sustainably.