A male Atlantic salmon is shown swimming in salt water. (CBC)

An environmental group is working to improve the numbers of Atlantic salmon in the rivers of eastern Prine Edward Island..

The Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation received funding from The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation to improve habitat for the fish.

"The number one problem was beavers took over those here particular systems, and the beaver impoundments just made it impossible for the salmon to reach the habitat, and as a result we just saw their numbers disappear in those rivers," said Fred Cheverie, co-ordinator for the federation.

"We think we can bring these rivers on, and in very few years have them producing the way they were."

Atlantic Salmon is a species at risk, however the area already boasts some of the best numbers for the fish on the Island.

Cheverie says that's why that area is prime for further improving the salmon's numbers.

"The potential habitat is there, and all we've got to do it reclaim it," Cheverie said.

"It needs every bit of help it can get. So we have got the potential habitat up in this area and so it's only appropriate that we should move and address this problem."

The work will take place on Hay, Cow and Bear rivers.