CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Shedd Aquarium researchers say a new study has provided fresh reasons to de-armor and restore shorelines in Chicago in order to support fish diversity and abundance.
The study, which was conducted with the Illinois and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, found that natural shorelines support greater biodiversity in the Chicago River, as opposed to armored shorelines with steel walls or piles of rocks.
Researchers said these natural shorelines stimulate higher fish species richness and a higher growth rate of fish.
In areas where de-armoring the shoreline is not possible, authors of the study said making additions to the waterway can help benefit the ecosystem.
“Floating wetlands with native plants are one example of ways to supplement habitat for aquatic life in urban waterways,” a Shedd Aquarium spokesperson wrote in a press release.
The Shedd Aquarium has already partnered with Urban Rivers, a local nonprofit, to create floating habitats on portions of the Chicago River.
The full findings from the research have been published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.
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