50,000 allis shad larvae: return of the legendary Rhine fish in Poll!

50,000 allis shad larvae: return of the legendary Rhine fish in Poll!

Politicians and two school classes recently gathered under the Rodenkirchen motorway bridge in Poll on the banks of the Rhine to celebrate an important project to reintroduce shad in the Rhine. On this day, June 13, 2025, a big step was taken: around 50,000 allis shad larvae were released into the river. This action is part of a long-term initiative aimed at the sustainable return of shad to its native waters. Loud Cologne City Gazette The politicians unexpectedly wear rubber boots with their formal clothing - a sign of commitment that is also clear in the presentation.

The shad is considered an anadromous migratory fish that used to live in large quantities in the Rhine. However, its populations are almost extinct due to water pollution, overfishing and migration barriers. The shad project, which has been underway since 2007, aims to bring back the population of this fish species. NRW Agriculture Minister Silke Gorißen (CDU) reported happily about the first adult animals spawning in the Rhine. The shad has a long tradition in Poll and used to be an important source of food for Cologne and the surrounding villages.

A community project to revive species

The allis shad project is being pushed forward not only in North Rhine-Westphalia, but also across countries with partners from Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, the Netherlands and France. The larvae come from a farm on the Garonne River in France, where parents are removed annually for spawning. The aim is to obtain around one million allis shad larvae annually for stocking in the Rhine. In this context, the Rhenish Fisheries Association took over the coordination such as the Baden-Württemberg State Fishing Association emphasized.

The return of the shad is part of a larger strategy to reintroduce native migratory fish to the Rhine, including salmon, sea trout and lamprey. These measures aim to improve water quality and restore fish's natural habitats. The first successes are already visible: Sightings of allis shad in fish passes show that the fish are on the way to their spawning grounds.

A step towards self-regulation

Andreas Scharbert, the project manager, is optimistic about the coming developments. He sees the main goal as creating a self-regulating stock in the Rhine. Historically, shad was widespread in the Rhine system before 1960; However, populations declined sharply until they almost completely disappeared in the 2000s. Studies and fisheries experts are working intensively to monitor the natural reproduction of shad and increase the population. Results in recent years show a positive development, which can be attributed to the repeatedly released larvae.

The project is important not only for the ecology of the Rhine, but also for local culture. Traditionally, shad was an essential part of the Poller May Festival, which has its roots in shad fishing. The Poller Maigeloog association is actively committed to preserving this festival and the identity of the region.

Overall, the allis shad project reflects a shared desire to revitalize the Rhine as a habitat for numerous fish species while preserving the region's cultural traditions. The memorial to the past serves as a motivation for the preservation of vibrant aquatic biodiversity.