Examination of American Shad Restoration Efforts: Susquehanna River Example

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

Efforts to restore American shad to multiple river systems on the Atlantic coast have been ongoing in various forms since the mid-1800s. The Susquehanna River has been the site of multiple forms of restoration and this makes it an ideal system to study the various efforts and level of success. In the early 1900’s the construction of four major dams permanently changed the structure of the Susquehanna River. Modern restoration efforts began in the 1950’s and are ongoing. These efforts have included trap and transport, installation of fish passage facilities, fishing moratorium, and hatchery operations. Using published data, this examination looks at the restoration goals, various restoration efforts, and the success of these efforts.