The population of Atlantic Salmon procreating in the Elbe River and its tributaries had always been hunted intensively by humans. After the construction of big technical structures such as dams and weirs in 18th and 20th century prevented the fish from migration to its spawning areas, the Elbe Salmon population perished.
It was first in the end of 20th century that the Salmon population was partially restored through reintroduction.