Adult Atlantic salmon swim in the Sandy River, the best salmon spawning and rearing habitat in the Kennebec River system.
Mark Taylor, Trout Unlimited
Atlantic salmon runs in U.S. waters have endured blow after blow over the past two centuries. They just received another one.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in March released a Biological Opinion (BiOp) on an energy giant’s proposed solutions to improve fish passage infrastructure at four hydroelectric dams on Maine’s Kennebec River, one of just a handful of rivers in the U.S. to support runs of Atlantic salmon.
The BiOp suggests that dam owner Brookfield Renewable Energy’s proposals “may adversely affect but are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Gulf of Maine distinct population segment of Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, or the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment of Atlantic sturgeon.”
Advocates for salmon restoration expressed disappointment, frustration, anger and sadness at the contents of the 325-page document.
In a press release, the Kennebec Coalition and Conservation Law Foundation said the NOAA decision “ignores reality.”
“Brookfield’s four dams on the Kennebec are pushing Atlantic salmon to the brink of extinction and blocking restoration of other sea-run fish critical to the health of the Gulf of Maine,” the groups said. “It is disturbing that NOAA appears to be disregarding science and blindly trusting Brookfield with the future of Atlantic salmon and other species that depend on a healthy river.
“Removal of these dams provides the best chance to prevent Atlantic salmon from becoming extinct in U.S. waters while also continuing the restoration of a vibrant, healthy Kennebec River.”
The Kennebec Coalition includes the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Rivers, Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) and Trout Unlimited, including TU’s Kennebec Valley chapter. Along with the Conservation Law Foundation, the Coalition works together to advocate for the restoration of the Kennebec River.
