The National Fish Passage Program was initiated
in 1999 to address structures built on rivers and their effects on fish and other aquatic species. Service employees work with local
communities and partner agencies to restore natural flows and fish migration by removing or bypassing barriers. Fish passage
is important to allow fish access to spawning, nursery, and rearing habitat. Perched culverts and sediment inputs
are common problems that impact fish passage at road stream crossings. Dams and other artificial
barriers can also interefere with the movement patterns of fish. Partnerships with Federal, State and local
governments and conservation groups are important to conducting on-the-ground habitat protection,
enhancement and restoration projects. Projects allow fish passage for native species, such as lake sturgeon, brook trout, niangua darter, topeka shiner, and other important species.
For more information contact:
Brian Elkington
Fish Passage Program Coordinator
5600 American Blvd. West
Bloomington, MN 55437-1173
