May 21, 2022 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
Storymap: Explore West Coast Salmon Murals
Through our Science in Studio program, NOAA Fisheries worked with ecomuralist Esteban Camacho Steffensen to put a spotlight on the magnetism and plight of Pacific salmon.
Explore the storymap and check out salmon stewardship through public art
Fish Passage Inspired by Nature on the Cape Fear River, North Carolina
To improve fish passage, Cape Fear River Watch and partners have made a series of upgrades to a fishway originally designed to mimic natural river habitat.
Learn more about improving fish passage on the Cape Fear River
Decades of Dam Removals Help Fish Reach their Homes in Historic Plymouth
Take a virtual walk along Town Brook in Massachusetts to see fish passage projects that have reopened the stream, giving migrating herring and eel new access to restored habitats.
Take a tour of decades of dam removals
Reopening Rivers to Migratory Fish in the Northeast
Our interactive story map highlights how NOAA and partners’ work reopening rivers in the Northeast helps benefit fisheries and communities.
Record Number of Fish Migrate through Columbia Fishway in South Carolina
An estimated 5,000 American shad passed through the Columbia Fishway on the Broad River in South Carolina during a 10-week monitoring period this spring.
Record number of fish migrate through Columbia Fishway in South Carolina
Restoring Habitat for Migratory Fish: A Look Back at the Recovery Act—Part 2
Salmon, river herring, and other migratory fish species continue to benefit from habitat restoration projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Learn more about restoring habitat for migratory fish
What Happens After Dam Removals
Collaborative research on Penobscot dam removals show initial gains from restoration actions.
Learn more about what happens after dam removals
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
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
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
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.
