Salmon populations rebound following removal of four major dams on Klamath River

The removal of four major hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River, spanning Oregon and California, has led to a rapid recovery of salmon populations. The decommissioning of the Iron Gate, Copco 1, Copco 2, and J. C. Boyle dams—described as the largest project of its kind globally—has restored access to over 640 kilometers of river habitat.

Scientific monitoring using advanced sonar technology has documented a significant surge in fish migration. In the first season following the removal, approximately 7,742 salmon were recorded moving upstream. This number increased to 13,310 individuals in the following year. Within just two migratory seasons, salmon have successfully returned to 88 percent of their documented historical range, reclaiming 345 kilometers of previously inaccessible river sections.