Maine’s Penobscot River is witnessing record-breaking returns of Atlantic herring and salmon, showcasing a remarkable conservation success story. Since the removal of the Bangor Great Works Dam, the river has seen a resurgence of ocean-going and river-spawning fish.
A staggering 1,489 salmon have already passed through the Milford fish lift by late July, the highest count since 2012. These thriving fish populations are a testament to the positive impact of dam removals, reinvigorating vital ecosystems and offering hope for the future of these iconic species.