MISSION STATEMENT
PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND RESTORE wild NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS THROUGH STEWARDSHIP OF THE FISH AND THEIR HABITATS
massachusetts native fishes
Massachusetts is home to native brook trout, including the most significant sea-run populations outside of Maine. While federally endangered Atlantic salmon are considered functionally extirpated in Massachussetts, the occasional salmon shows up in the Merrimack and Connecticut River sytems. They are likely fish from the Gulf of Maine, aquaculture escapees, or fish stocked in Connecticut under what is referred to as a “Legacy Program.” Runs of anadromous American shad, alewives, lamprey, and federally endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon are also present. Mysterious American eels can be found throughout much of the state along with redfin pickerel, chain pickerel, and numerous other native fish species. The coastal region supports striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, false albacore, flounder, tuna, sharks, and other saltwater species.
Status, Threats, and Conservation
Like most other states, Massachusetts’ native fishes face many threats and challenges including angler exploitation, stocking, habitat degradation, development, pollution, climate change, and nonnative invasive fish introductions. Atlantic salmon are now considered functionally extirpated in Massachusetts with restoration efforts suspended on the Connecticut River system. Per MassWildlife, the following are listed as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in the federally-mandated Wildlife Action Plan: blueback herring, alewife, American shad, American eel, white sucker, slimy sculpin, banded sunfish, creek chubsucker, swamp darter, tessellated darter, spotfin killifish, common shiner, sea lamprey, blacknose dace, longnose dace, creek chub, and brook trout. Shortnose sturgeon are listed as Endangered at the federal level. Most of Massachusetts wild native brook trout are now found in small streams, having been lost from most lakes, ponds, and rivers. In some cases anadromous fish such as river herring and shad, are actually increasing due to cleaner water, improved fish-passage, and habitat work.
massachusetts nfc board
Below is our Massachusetts State Board. This dedicated group of volunteers are our "boots on the ground" in Massachusetts, home to several rare native fish including federally endangered Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, and American eel.
massachusetts nfc ADvisory CounCil
Below is our Massachusetts Advisory Council. This group of volunteers represents a veritable all-star team of subject matter expertise and hands-on experience. They work with the Massachusetts board to identify areas in need of attention, while providing technical assistance.
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MA NFC and our partners exploring a suburban stream…
SHANE JOHNSON is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist…