Swimways: Another reason to protect rivers

Swimways, the aquatic version of ‘Flyways,’ is a new concept to inspire the protection of migratory pathways for freshwater species.

Since 1935 when the concept of ‘Flyways’ was developed by Frederick Lincoln, the practice of protecting large swaths of wetlands along the migratory routes of waterfowl and other birds has secured the protection of natural habitat.

Swimway protections are particularly important in the face of a changing climate. As average temperatures and weather patterns shift on a global scale, species will likely need to move to new locations to survive. Keeping pathways open for these shifts in species ranges becomes critically important.