MISSION STATEMENT
PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND RESTORE wild NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS THROUGH STEWARDSHIP OF THE FISH AND THEIR HABITATS
connecticut NATIVE FISHES
Connecticut is home to more than 75 species of freshwater and anadromous fish from 23 families. More than 50 of these are native to the state. Nearly 100 species of saltwater fish have been identified in Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection annual trawl surveys since 1984, showing a great diversity of native fishes in the state’s inshore and nearshore waters. While most of Connecticut’s species can be found in multiple river systems, some are present in just one stream or watershed. Connecticut is home to eight major watersheds. There are also four federally designated Wild and Scenic River systems: Eightmile River, lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, West Branch Farmington River, and Pawcatuck River. The state is also home to numerous streams and small rivers containing wild native brook trout. American shad are the Official State Fish. The Connecticut River is one of the most important East Coast spawning tributaries for shad. Numerous other native fish can be found in Connecticut as well including burbot, banded sunfish, and federally endangered Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon. While Atlantic salmon are considered extinct in the wild in Connecticut, and only hatchery salmon exist in a few of the state’s rivers and lakes, they are protected in the Connecticut River Watershed.
Status, Threats and Conservation
Like most other states, Connecticut’s native fishes face many threats and challenges including angler exploitation, state-sponsored and private trout stocking, habitat degradation, development, pollution, climate change, and nonnative invasive fish introductions. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection electrofishing has documented significant declines in wild native brook trout numbers since the 1990s. Two species of fish are listed as Endangered at the federal level: Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon. Five species of fish are listed as Endangered at the state level: Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, American brook lamprey, burbot, and anadromous rainbow smelt. Seven species of fish are listed as “of Special Concern” at the state level: Blueback herring, sand tiger shark, longnose sucker, slimy sculpin, banded sunfish, bridle shiner, and radiated shanny. Eight species of fish are protected from harvest in all or some waters by the state due to low numbers.
connecticut NFC board
Below is our Connecticut State Board. This dedicated group of volunteers are our "boots on the ground" in Connecticut, home to wild native brook trout and a number of other unique and at-risk species of freshwater and saltwater native fish.
connecticut NFC ADvisory CounCil
Below is our Connecticut Advisory Council. This group of volunteers represents a veritable all-star team of subject matter expertise and hands-on experience. They work with the Connecticut board to identify areas in need of attention, while providing technical assistance.
connecticut NFC CAMPAIGNS
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CONNECTICUT NFC CONSERVATION PARTNERS
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Please support these best-in-class businesses as they have supported the Connecticut chapter of NFC and our wild native fish.
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NATE CAMP is an avid outdoorsman, Marine veteran, and Tenkara…