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Project Summary

Mitigation of Obstructions to Anadromous Fish Migration

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1. Project Identification

Name Mitigation of Obstructions to Anadromous Fish Migration
Region Southeast
State North Carolina
Location Neuse River
Date of this update  

2. Problem(s) addressed (check one or more)

Habitat Restoration/Protection  
Wetlands
River systems X
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other (describe)  

3. Project Description (100 words or less. Please include qualitative information, e.g. acres of habitat restored, miles of steam reopened to migration, and legislative authorization, e.g. WRDA, ISTEA, CWA/NEP, CZMA, etc.)

In 1991 the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality began the process of determining how to remove and/or modify low head dams along the Neuse River that were obstructing the migration of anadromous fish. This restoration project seeks to restore approximately 160 miles of historic anadromous fish spawning runs through the removal or modification of dams which are no longer useful or in operation.

The Neuse River provides habitat for a number of important anadromous fish including striped bass, shad, alewife, herring and sturgeon. All have historically formed a significant component of the fishery resources of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine system. There has, however, been an unprecedented decline in the population of all anadromous fish species throughout much of their historic ranges in this region. Water quality degradation, alteration or destruction of estuarine habitats, alteration of river flows, commercial and recreational over fishing, and physical obstructions are all factors thought to have contributed to the decline of the various fisheries populations. Environmental agencies involved with anadromous fish management describe dams as the most detrimental obstruction to fish migration. Many abandoned mill pond dams and hydroelectric dams still remain in eastern North Carolina and Virginia and their presence prevents access to hundreds of miles of historic anadromous fish habitat and spawning areas.

Following an initial study, two dam sites have been identified for removal, the Cherry Hospital and the Quaker Neck dams in the Neuse River Basin. In an effort to partially address this serious decline of fisheries the Department of the Navy (Marine Corps) initially proposed removing the two dams as part of an explosives training exercise at little to no cost to the other Coastal America partners. This alternative stalled due to differences of opinion between the Marine Corps and EPA over liability for any potential environmental law violations resulting from demolition. Efforts by Coastal America have now enlisted the North Carolina Coastal Federation to receive funds from the State of North Carolina and funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the demolition of the Quaker Neck Dam and possibly the Cherry Hill Dam. Both events are scheduled to take place in the fall of 1995. The overall dam removal effort is being coordinated by the State of North Carolina and EPA in anticipation of opening up some 160 miles of former spawning habitat for anadromous fish. The NMFS is providing technical advise and consultation on the project.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

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5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

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8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

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9. Project Status

Initiation date  
Completion date  
Current stage  

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments

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This page was last updated on Saturday, 24-Jun-2000 11:48:49 EDT
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