Nearly $1.2 Million in Funding Will Support Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration

NOAA Fisheries is awarding nearly $1.2 million in funding for four partners to continue ongoing projects restoring Atlantic salmon habitat in the Gulf of Maine region. The Gulf of Maine’s distinct population segment of Atlantic salmon is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and is one of nine NOAA Species in the Spotlight. Atlantic salmon are an iconic species of the Northeast. They once returned to the most significant rivers along the northeastern United States by the hundreds of thousands. Now, they only return in small numbers to rivers in central and eastern Maine. These populations comprise the Gulf of Maine DPS. Degraded habitat is one of the most significant obstacles facing the recovery of threatened and endangered species like Atlantic salmon. Habitat restoration helps repair areas destroyed by development, blocked by dams, or otherwise subjected to habitat destruction. Through funding and technical assistance, NOAA supports projects restoring the habitats threatened and endangered species need to recover. Funding will support ongoing restoration. This funding will support four ongoing, multi-year habitat restoration efforts: Restore Habitat Access The Atlantic Salmon Federation will implement five projects to restore access to Atlantic salmon spawning and rearing habitats in the Kennebec River watershed. They will also conduct a fish passage feasibility study at the Chesterville Wildlife...