Dams, culverts and other barriers currently block the movement of migratory fish to spawning grounds and reduce the habitat of local fish species in streams, creeks and rivers. Throughout the Bay watershed, these barriers are being removed or new lifts, ladders and passageways are being installed to allow the fish to swim upstream.
Priority is given to fish passage restoration projects that open large stretches of habitat, remove dams, enhance the passage of migratory fish and remove impediments in streams that were previously impaired by acid mine drainage. Many of these projects also restore the flow of waterways and reduce the accumulation of sediment.
How much has been completed since 1988?
2,317.03 miles
How much has been completed since 2000?
1,243.43 miles
How much was done in 2008?
50.8 miles
Dams, culverts and other obstructions currently block more than a thousand miles of fish spawning habitat on Bay tributaries. Anadromous fish, such as American shad and river herring, rely on access to freshwater streams and rivers. Fish passages help these fish swim past dams and other blockages to reach upstream freshwater spawning habitat.
Learn more about restoring fish passage.
Jennifer Greiner, (800) 968-7229 ext. 783
Chesapeake Bay Program Office