indicator

Barrier Removals

The Middle Street Dam in Bristol, CT will be removed using BIL Funding. CT DEEP photo — The Middle Street Dam in Bristol, CT will be removed using IIJA Funding. CT DEEP photo

Focus Question

Are there barriers upstream, in rivers and streams, blocking fish migratory pathways?

Answer: The Partnership is working on an assessment of the upstream river barriers, check back soon! Significant progress in removing barriers has been made and there is now a substantial amount of riverine connectivity for anadromous fish. As of 2024, approximately 82 percent of potentially passable river miles were reconnected. While removing barriers increases migratory fish passage, steady decreases in fish abundance indicates other pressures are impacting the migration of these species (see Anadromous Fish for more).

What Was Measured

Number of barrier removals blocking migratory corridors in rivers and streams.

Status and Trends

Under Construction

Since 2014, over 140 river miles have been reconnected, equating to 27 barrier removals. Not every dam removal equates to the same river miles connected; this is very dependent on barrier density of a particular river/stream.

Tracking barrier removals can be an indicator of the Partnership’s efforts to reconnect riverine migratory corridors for the Habitat Connectivity Objective.