To structurally diversify weir regulated river sections is a field which so far has not been explored very much. It may, however, serve to improve the ecological status of the regulated river sections. Measures can be carried out both in the water as well as along the shores and in the floodplains, for example through the installation of deadwood, gravel islands, creation of artificial river banks or of backwaters and ponds.

In the LIFE project "Living Lahn", profiles were drawn up for all sections of the federal waterway Lahn that are regulated by dams and tools were developed for the ecological upgrading of these areas, taking into account different future use variants.