The state has awarded a 4 million grant to restore habitat on the Lower Eel River. CalTrout says the money will go to restore the estuary on the 950-acre Cannibal Island to create healthier conditions for the coho salmon and other fish and wildlife speciesthat call the island home. The first step is to collect scientific data that will lead to a plan that transforms the mostly drained salt marshes into working agricultural and natural habitats. The first phase of that restoration could start next year.