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Migratory Fish in New England are Getting a Boost with the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative
The Connecticut River drains a massive swath of New England. This watershed provides water and recreation for millions. It is also home to 8 species of migratory fish. The list of species includes: alewives, American eels, Atlantic salmon, American striped bass, blueback herring, sea lampreys, and shortnose sturgeon. While steelhead and salmon draw much of the excitement for call to actions amongst fly fishers, the migratory fish of the Connecticut River are quickly gaining momentum as a species of interest and concern. For decades local anglers in New England new of the great fishing near them on this river. Now, with the help of a variety of agencies and organizations, the fish swimming in the Connecticut River are getting some protections.
Read this report from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative (Cooperative):
The new Cooperative will coordinate fisheries management and restoration in the Connecticut River watershed, continuing the work of The Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission (CRASC). There are ten members in the Cooperative; one natural resource agency member from each of the the four states, one member representing the public and appointed by the State Fish and Wildlife Agency Director from each of the four states, and two federal agencies. See names of Cooperators below. The Cooperative will determine the status of migratory fishes and their habitats and identify management actions necessary for restoring migratory fish in the New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts Connecticut River basin. They are advised by a Technical Committee that includes fish biologist experts from each of the four states and two federal agencies. The Technical Committee evaluates the status and trends of American shad, alewife, blueback herring, shortnose sturgeon, sea lamprey, and American eel, and makes recommendations to the Cooperative for how to improve fish populations, fish passage , and fish habitat. The Cooperative Members and Technical Committee meets twice a year in spring and fall.
Get involved today and join the Connecticut River Conservancy.
From the Connecticut River Conservancy:
Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. These include alewives, American eels, Atlantic salmon, American striped bass, blueback herring, sea lampreys, and shortnose sturgeon. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness to our work through community science and education.
The Problem: Dams and industrial practices have blocked spawning habitat and decimated migratory fish populations. Flows at main stem hydro-electric dams and canals, industrial pollution, and heated plant discharges into the river make this situation worse. Determined action is needed if the Connecticut River’s fish runs are to survive.
Te Solution: Require safe and effective fish passage at dams. Remove any deadbeat dams that no longer serve a purpose. Improve passage in tributaries to increase available spawning habitat. Discontinue any recent industrial practices that may be injuring migratory fish runs. Perform adequate research before making changes to main stem discharges and flow regimes to prove they will do no harm.
The Cooperative Includes the following organizations and agencies:
Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative
State Agencies
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Federal Agencies
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Geological Survey Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory
Other Partners
Connecticut River Conservancy
Connecticut River Joint Commissions
Connecticut River Salmon Association
FirstLight Power Resources
Great River Hydro
Holyoke Gas & Electric Department
The Nature Conservancy
About the Connecticut River Conservancy
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for natural and life-filled rivers from source to sea.
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