Restoring & Protecting Habitats Along The Niagara River Support The Coastal Ecosystem 

A News Release form the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) Niagara River Remedial Acton Program 

Posted September 16^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large 

Coastal wetlands have an important role in ecosystems. Native wetland plants, including flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, and emergent aquatic vegetation have a vital role for a diverse and healthy ecosystem. 

Along the upper reach of the Niagara River, past research conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources identified a decline in fish populations due to the loss of over 75% of critical shoreline habitats as a result of poor land management practices. 

Significant improvement to protect and restore coastal areas along the river has since occurred and contributed to Niagara River RAP projects (https://us.list-manage.com/_BZdHzNeQ3M?e=b41ace0bbf&c2id=65a53a2fdbc74b3cffa81a95fb19f634) .

Since 2016, seven Coastal Wetland Restoration (https://us.list-manage.com/11dWBeqVhOh?e=b41ace0bbf&c2id=65a53a2fdbc74b3cffa81a95fb19f634) projects have been completed in Canada, and 13 projects were done along the American banks of the Niagara River, with four additional projects underway.

Benefits of coastal wetlands include:

• * Slow wave action to create refuge and suitable habitats for larval fish;
• * Allows for different habitats to form (e.g., rocks, aquatic vegetation, fallen trees), which supports a diversity of fish and wildlife species; and
• * Improve bank stability by allowing vegetation to grow in, rather than mowing up to the river. 

Did You Know?

• * All 7 habitat Canadian habitat projects were completed as part of the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan in 2022
• * 13 of the 17 American habitat projects were completed, with 2 more underway and 2 in the planning stages.
• * Gonder’s Flats wetland was added to support water overflow and to create a 1.5-hectar (4-acre) marsh habitat, which supports birds, amphibians and other wildlife. Learn more:Niagara River Bi-National Habitat Restoration (https://us.list-manage.com/oamRwOqAZKJ?e=b41ace0bbf&c2id=65a53a2fdbc74b3cffa81a95fb19f634)

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