Fish Passage Program
Unimpeded movement upstream and downstream is essential to resident fish such as bull trout, and anadromous species such as salmon. The cycle of life cannot be completed if fish cannot swim freely upstream and downstream in their native streams to access spawning, feeding, and rearing areas, cooler water (thermal refuges), and other life requirements. All river fish make seasonal migrations to important habitats. The goal of the Fish Passage Program is to restore native fish and other aquatic species to self-sustaining levels by reconnecting habitat that has been fragmented by barriers. The Fish Passage Program uses a non-regulatory approach to remove barriers and build structures to improve fish passage. All projects are voluntary and are done in cooperation with willing partners. Partnerships can be with private individuals, federal, tribal, state, and local governments and agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Costs are shared by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners. Partner cost-sharing of projects has averaged over 50%. The Fish Passage Program in the Pacific Region is a component of the National Fish Passage Program. You can also view a more complete description of the components of the program.
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