In the 19th century, only 70 potentially native fish species occurred in the Central European rivers. As a consequence of the industrialization period (pollution, channelization, damming) the diversity and number of individuals decreased dramatically. Numerous species of former importance (e.g. salmons) were extincted. The role of fresh water fish as food source and source of income became minor. By massive investments (100 billion DM) into waste water sewage the water quality could significantly be improved during the last decades. Many formerly extincted aquatic species re-established in the river systems. The still existing structural deficits especially with respect to linear continuity require integrated restoration and exploitation concepts, as they are now constituted in Central Europe.