Title
Anadromous Fish in the Southeastern United States and Recommendations for Development of a Management Plan
Publication Date
1982
Keywords
anadromous fish, restoration, protection, estuary
Publication place
Atlanta, GA
Publisher
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
Anadromous fish in southern waters may migrate within and between State and Federal jurisdictional units. They have been, and potentially are, of immense economic importance to the United States. Some members are extirpated from portions of their former ranges, some are nearly extinct, and declines are continuing. Plans for restoration and protection of anadromous fish stocks throughout the Southeast are either non-existent or fragmented. In addition, efforts to arrest declines of these fish are uncoordinated. Since many of the problems are similar in several rivers, estuaries, and the continental shelf, it is recommended that planning committees involving appropriate jurisdictional groups be established. Based upon their conclusions, plans incorporating economic, social, and biological components should be developed for managing the stocks. This document outlines a potential administrative structure, and recommends biological studies and establishment of appropriate facilities. It also recommends that close working relationships be established between State, Federal, and user groups.