MAINE PUBLIC • December 15, 2022
Maine's migratory fish are getting a major boost from federal funding announced this week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This includes more than $7 million for the Atlantic Salmon Federation to improve fish passage in the Penobscot River watershed. The federation's John Burrows says the money will be used to open up headwater streams for Atlantic salmon, and lakes and ponds for alewives. The Penobscot Nation was awarded $3 million to improve habitat and fish passage along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. And the Passamaquoddy Tribe will be getting up to $2 million to improve fish passage in the St. Croix River. Maine's Department of Marine Resources will be getting up to $15 million over three years to improve migratory fish habitat in Maine rivers.