Fish Migration, Movement and More!

Did you know, fish migrate too?

There are the marathoners of the fish world, like the Atlantic salmon, which migrate 6,000 miles annually to return to the rivers where they were born to spawn a new generation of salmon. Others are short distance runners, like small darters, which need to move as little as a half mile for food.

Whether long-distance swimmers or not, all have something in common: fish need to migrate or move to get to habitats where they can spawn, feed, find shelter, and escape extreme temperatures or water flows.

Unfortunately, many fish can’t complete their migration because of fish passage barriers such as dams, road culverts, and levees. There are millions of barriers in the U.S. that keep fish, and other aquatic species like mussels, from reaching their travel destinations. Environmental barriers such as low water levels and poor water quality also affect fish migration. The National Fish Passage Program works to remove or restore barriers to fish passage and reconnect aquatic habitats.

Why help fish migrate?

Fish are an important part of our natural heritage. They also are an important link in the food web, consuming vegetation or smaller animals and providing food for wildlife, and when they die, their carcasses can provide nutrients for plants. Fish and free-flowing rivers are important to people too, for recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Look over the list of migratory fish from across the U.S. Are there any located in your state? Are there fish passage barriers nearby? If you want to learn more on how you can get involved and help with projects to improve fish migration, contact a fish passage coordinator in your area. (Check back often, we will be updating our list of migratory species)