Endangered salmon may soon swim freely up a Maine river, but a comeback isn’t guaranteed

A recent canoe trip to the remote upper reaches of the Narraguagus River revealed thriving Atlantic salmon habitat, despite the species being listed as endangered. The river, largely undeveloped, offers ideal conditions with shady refuges and rocky nesting spots. The main stem of the river, spanning 40 miles from the downeast lakes to Cherryfield, is set to undergo a transformation with a "nature-like" set of stair-stepping pools.

These pools will help mitigate ice jams without hindering the migration of salmon, herring, shad, and other fish. Ellie Mason, a habitat restoration project manager at the Downeast Salmon Federation, is leading the charge in this endeavor. While the river's conditions are promising, the future of Atlantic salmon remains uncertain.

The species faces challenges at sea, with unknown causes of recent population declines. Additionally, the species' dependence on hatcheries for survival raises questions about their long-term prospects. To be delisted, the wild adult salmon population would need to reach at least 1,500 annually, returning to multiple watersheds.

The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, but the dedication of conservationists and landowners offers hope for a brighter future for the Atlantic salmon.