Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2007ME152B

Response of a linked lake-stream system to dam removal and restoration of migratory fish.

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2007 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $32,306 Total Non-Federal Funds: $165,196

Principal Investigators: Kevin Simon, Stephen Coghlan, David Hart

Project Summary: The installation of dams and other barriers in rivers has blocked the inland movement of migratory fish that may have played a critical ecological role in Maines inland waters. The removal of dams for restoration purposes is an increasingly popular, but poorly assessed approach to restoring ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems by reestablishing migratory routes for fish. This project will evaluate the role of migratory fish in lakes and streams and the response of key biological and chemical indicators of ecosystem health to dam removal and subsequent restoration of migratory fish passage in Sedgeunkedunk Stream, Maine. The delivery of marine derived nutrients from migratory fish and their influence on stream and lake communities will be assessed before and after dam removal. The location, timing, and size of the study system provide a unique opportunity to generate information that can be used by stakeholders to guide future river restoration efforts and to understand the role of migratory fish in maintaining the ecological integrity of Maines inland waters.