October 24, 2020 is World Fish Migration Day—a global celebration to raise awareness on the importance of free flowing rivers and migratory fish. Take a look at these features to learn how we work to address barriers to fish migration and open their passage ways.
Fish Migration Features
Building a Network of Restored Habitat in the Klamath River Watershed
Strategic habitat restoration projects across the Klamath River watershed are laying the groundwork for future dam removals.
Learn more about restoring habitat in the Klamath River Watershed
Removing Dams and Replacing Culverts: Opening Up Miles of Habitat for Fish Migration
Oil spill settlement-funded projects opened up a river and streams, and restored wetland habitat in two northeast states. Fish haven't been able to access some of these areas for hundreds of years.
Learn more about projects to open up miles of habitat for fish migration
Return of Atlantic Sturgeon to Pee Dee River Signals Improved Health of Population
Tracking of endangered Atlantic sturgeon suggests successful spawning and population growth.
Learn more about Recent tracking of sturgeon in the Pee Dee River
Reopening Rivers for Migratory Fish
Every year, millions of fish migrate to their native habitats to reproduce. They are often blocked from completing their journey. When fish can’t reach their habitat, their populations can’t grow.
Learn how we work to reopen rivers for migratory fish
Barriers to Fish Migration
One reason fish populations struggle is that barriers prevent them from reaching the upstream habitat where they breed and grow.
Learn why fish migration is important and what we’re doing to help
Improving Fish Migration at Hydropower Dams
When barriers such as hydropower dams block fish from migrating, their populations decline. Through its authorities under the Federal Power Act, NOAA Fisheries improves habitat by addressing fish passage at non-federal hydropower dams.
Successful Fish Passage Efforts Across the Nation
Through multiple programs and partnerships, NOAA Fisheries is leading the charge to open our nation’s rivers and streams by providing fish passage solutions.
Learn more about the benefits of opening rivers for fish and communities across the nation
Meet Bjorn Lake, National Fish Passage Engineer
Bjorn Lake is a National Fish Passage Engineer at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Penobscot River Salmon Run Surges for Second Straight Year
The Penobscot River hosts the largest remaining run of Atlantic salmon in the United States, however, numbers are just a fraction of what they used to be.
First Reintroduced Salmon Return to California Rivers in a Critical Step Towards Recovery
California salmon reintroduced to their historic habitat as juveniles are, for the first time, returning to their home rivers to spawn.
Infographics
The Value of Opening Rivers for Fish
Millions of fish are blocked from reaching their native habitat to reproduce each year. These fish are crucial to the economy and communities across the nation.
Learn how NOAA helps migratory fish and communities by opening river and stream habitat
Can a Fish Climb a Ladder?
The most common way for adult fish to get past a dam is to use a fish ladder, a water-filled structure that allows fish to pass up and over in a series of steps.
Videos
Open Rivers, Abundant Fish
This video explores the journeys of migratory fish from ocean to freshwater streams, which are often blocked by barriers like dams. NOAA is helping to remove these barriers and open passage upstream, so that fish can reach their spawning grounds.
Events
Rivers Full of Fish Webinar
On October 22, 2020, NOAA is joining leaders and river-advocates from around North America in a two-part live webinar celebration of free-flowing rivers!
