In 2012 and 2013, Maine removed two hydroelectric dams from the Penobscot River; river herring later rose from almost zero to more than six million

Maine's Penobscot River shows a remarkable environmental recovery after dam removals. Millions of river herring have returned to the waterway, which was once nearly silent. This ecological success story highlights the impact of removing industrial barriers. Atlantic salmon numbers are also gradually increasing in the restored river. The Penobscot's rebound serves as a powerful conservation case study for others.