MISSION STATEMENT
PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND RESTORE wild NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS THROUGH STEWARDSHIP OF THE FISH AND THEIR HABITATS
RHODE ISLAND native fishes
Rhode Island is home to over 45 native freshwater, saltwater, and diadromous fishes. Wild native brook trout, including most likely at least some level of sea-run populations, can still be found in the state. While they have been extirpated from Rhode Island waters, the state was once home to federally endangered anadromous Atlantic salmon. Anadromous American shad, alewives and herring, lamprey, and federally endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon are however still present. Mysterious American eels that live in freshwater but spawn in saltwater can be found throughout much of the state. Other species of native freshwater fish include redfin pickerel, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, brown bullhead, fallfish, white and longnose sucker, slimy sculpin, tessellated darter, blacknose dace, creek and lake chub, common and golden shiner, American brook lamprey, and many species of minnows. The coastal region supports numerous native fishes including striped bass, Rhode Island’s official State Fish, cod, bluefish, bluefin tuna, several species of shark, false albacore, mackerel, weakfish, tautog, flounder, and other saltwater species.
Status, Threats, and Conservation
Like most other states, Rhode Island’s native fishes face many threats and challenges including angler exploitation, stocking, nonnative invasive fish introductions, habitat degradation, development, agriculture, pollution, and a changing climate resulting in warming water, floods, and droughts. The smallest state in the country and with the second highest population density, Rhode Island faces environmental challenges not found in many other states. Rhode Island is also a low-elevation state with the highest point being just 800 feet above sea level. There are over 600 dams in Rhode Island, which results in a high level of fragmentation. Atlantic salmon have been extirpated from the state with little chance that they can be restored. Brook wild trout have been greatly reduced and they are now found primarily in small spring-fed streams with lake, pond, and river populations having been extirpated. In some cases, wild native brook trout are being stocked over with nonnative rainbow and brown trout. Shortnose sturgeon are listed as Endangered at the federal level, and Atlantic sturgeon may be gone from the state’s waters. American Brook Lamprey are classified as Threatened at the state level. Surveys show that alewife have dropped from 4% to 0.4%, Atlantic herring from 18% to 4%, and weakfish to 2% of saltwater catch.
rhode island nfc board
Below is our Rhode Island State Board. This dedicated group of volunteers are our "boots on the ground" in Rhode Island, home to rare to the area wild native brook trout, as well as American eel, striped bass, and federally Endangered shortnose sturgeon.
rhode island nfc ADvisory CounCil
Below is our Rhode Island Advisory Council. This group of volunteers represents a veritable all-star team of subject matter expertise and hands-on experience. They work with the Rhode Island board to identify areas in need of attention, while providing technical and administrative assistance.
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BRENDAN J. KENNEDY is an avid outdoorsman and passionate native fish…