Collaborative project aims to remediate fish passage in Lincolnville, Rockland and Searsport
In May 2023, Rockport resident and fisherman Kenneth Dodge and Camden resident Alison McKellar were at the small gate near the foot of Chickawaukie Pond, where the water feeds into Meadow Brook at Johnson Memorial Park, in Rockland. The gate had gotten stuck closed at a crucial time of year when the alewives were swimming up from the ocean to freshwater in order to spawn.
Dodge caught wind of that news after his cousin learned that the small fish were unable to make their last hurdle into the lake, and were crowding each other at the gate, some dying.
Children were spotted trying to help the fish, grabbing buckets, filling them with the alewives and transporting them from the brook back over to the 352-acre lake.
“The fish have to get up that river to spawn,” said Dodge, who has been watching the same phenomenon since he was a small boy, 60-plus years ago.
The gate was finally opened with more clearance. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)
In May 2023, Rockport resident and fisherman Kenneth Dodge and Camden resident Alison McKellar were at the small gate near the foot of Chickawaukie Pond, where the water feeds into Meadow Brook at Johnson Memorial Park, in Rockland. The gate had gotten stuck closed at a crucial time of year when the alewives were swimming up from the ocean to freshwater in order to spawn.
Dodge caught wind of that news after his cousin learned that the small fish were unable to make their last hurdle into the lake, and were crowding each other at the gate, some dying.
Children were spotted trying to help the fish, grabbing buckets, filling them with the alewives and transporting them from the brook back over to the 352-acre lake.
“The fish have to get up that river to spawn,” said Dodge, who has been watching the same phenomenon since he was a small boy, 60-plus years ago.
The gate was finally opened with more clearance. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)
Efforts are underway to restore fish passage at three critical sites: the Mill Brook Dam in Searsport, Pitcher Pond Dam in Lincolnville, and Chickawaukie Pond Outlet in Rockland. The Penobscot Indian Nation, in collaboration with state, federal, and local partners, is leading this collaborative project to address long-standing barriers that have severely impacted native fish populations, according to a Feb. 12 news release from the Penobscot Nation.
Currently, there is no effective passage at the three sites.
"These barriers are cutting off essential habitat for migratory fish Atlantic salmon, alewife, American eel and resident Brook trout," the release said. "These species require access to upstream waters to complete their life cycles, and the inability to migrate has led to severe population declines."
The initiative aims to remediate the fish passage issues by assessing structural and environmental conditions at the three sites, exploring engineering solutions, and implementing restoration actions that will allow fish to reach historic spawning and rearing areas.
The project will include engineering surveys and designs to determine the best course of action for each site, balancing ecological restoration with community and regulatory considerations.
The work is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which supports projects that enhance habitat connectivity, improve climate resilience, and restore critical aquatic ecosystems.
The Penobscot Indian Nation will work closely with NOAA Fisheries, Maine Sea Grant, Acadia Civil Works, the municipalities of Searsport, Lincolnville, and Rockland, as well as local community members, to ensure that solutions align with conservation priorities and local needs.
"Once completed, the restoration efforts will reconnect vital waterways, helping to restore ecological balance and clean water, while enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting the long-term sustainability of Maine’s fisheries," the release said.
About the Penobscot Indian Nation
The Penobscot Indian Nation has a long history of environmental stewardship, working to restore and protect the ecological health of its Tribal Trust Lands and the Penobscot River watershed.
About NOAA Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean and aquatic resources, supporting sustainable fisheries, recovering protected species, and restoring coastal and freshwater ecosystems.
About Maine Sea Grant
Maine Sea Grant promotes the sustainable use and conservation of Maine’s coastal and freshwater resources through research, education, and outreach programs.
