Habitat Conservation
Assistance Network
Proactive Conservation for Working Lands

Fish passage includes removal or replacement of barriers. When fish and other aquatic species can’t move or have access their habitat they could potentially be listed as a threatened or endangered species or, maybe even become extinct. An example is the Atlantic salmon. Once plentiful and found in every river north of the Hudson River, today less than 1% of their historic population remains. The primary cause, barriers.

Improving fish passage is good for fish and people too. Barrier removal can help manage flooding by allowing rivers to flow naturally which restores floodplains. Removal also improves lives of tribal cultures like those along the Klamath River Basin in California and Oregon. There have been recent cases where they have not been allowed to fish their ancestral waters because of decreases in fish populations. The salmon that migrate in the Klamath are the source of the tribe’s food, income, and are at the heart of their ceremonies.

Other barrier removal benefits include stabilizing fish populations which improves recreational fishing. If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing your local rivers and streams, removing barriers that are potential hazards, make the waterways safer and can increase boating opportunities.

Contact Fish Passage Program - Southwest Region

Listed as:

• Department of Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service Programs