Welcome To The Atlantic Salmon
General Conservation Plan Webpage

In 2009, the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (GOM DPS) of Atlantic salmon were listed as an endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The GOM DPS was divided into three separate Salmon Habitat Recovery Units (SHRU) located in the Penobscot, Merrymeeting, and Downeast watersheds of Maine. We are planning to develop a different GCP for each of the SHRU's.

We are anticipating that each GCP will promote long-term conservation efforts through the implementation of various methods designed to improve fish passage; thereby, enabling Atlantic salmon to reach freshwater spawning and rearing areas, critical to their survival. Included in these conservation strategies will be avoidance and minimization measures – to reduce take – in addition to mitigation options, that will allow owners of small, non-federally licensed dams to achieve ESA compliance for certain activities being conducted within the GOM DPS of Atlantic salmon.

Each GCP will define criteria for dam qualification and specify removal or fish passage activities that will provide the necessary guidelines for NOAA to issue an Incidental Take Permit (ITPs) to individual owners and operators of non-federally licensed dams within the freshwater range of the GOM DPS. An ITP authorizes the permit holder a small level of take in order to implement the activities described in the GCP. The GCP will also identify mitigation measures that could be required to offset the potential take of Atlantic salmon. Because the GCP will meet the regulatory and statutory requirements of the ESA, it will effectively streamline the ITP process for qualified small dam owners.

When you navigate this site you will find

• How you can get involved in General Conservation Plan process?
• Draft General Conservation Plan (available for public review)
• Background on Atlantic salmon
• Threats to Atlantic salmon
• The Road to Recovery