Identifying Anadromous Fish Streams on the Gulf Coast

The project will collect data on anadromous fish streams to update the Catalog of Waters Important for Spawning, Rearing or Migration of Anadromous Fishes (AWC) and its companion Atlas, which are the documents the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) uses to specify fresh water bodies important for anadromous fish; a water body listed in the AWC is afforded proper habitat protection under Alaska Statute (AS) 16.05.871. This project is focused on collecting data in suspected anadromous fish habitat in Yakutat, West Icy Bay, and Cape Yakataga where mineral exploration, small scale mining, road construction, timber harvest, and environmental cleanup are ongoing or proposed.

Streams containing anadromous fish will be added to the AWC; once listed, the streams will receive long-term protection from development and other uses outlined in the Anadromous Fish Act and the Forest Resources and Practices Act. Identifying stream crossings that obstruct fish passage will facilitate future fish passage and fish habitat restoration.