PREFACE 



This report is the first of several to consider the problem of re- 

 building the almost extinct shad runs of Maine to a size that will enable 

 them to support profitable and stable fisheries again. 



Within the last fifty years, the catch of Atlantic shad has fallen to 

 less than a third of its former yield. Alarmed by the continued decline of 

 this fishery, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission made repeated 

 efforts to initiate a comprehensive coastTaase study of the shad but it was 

 not until October 19ii9 that Congressional action was finally obtained author- 

 izing and providing funds for the work. (Public Law 2h9) 8lst Congress) <> The 

 Fish and Wildlife Service, as the primary research a^ncj"- of the Commission 

 presented the research program to an Advisory Committee of the Commission in 

 December 19h9 for review and approval. 



One part of this program was to re-establish runs in former shad streams 

 now barren in order to make these streams once more productive. The accompany = 

 ing report gives information on the present stream conditions in the State of 

 Maine, information which is necessary before any plans for rehabilitation of 

 the shad runs of the area can be formulated. 



In the preparation of this report, extensive use has been made of pub- 

 lished and unpublished information collected by the Department of Sea and 

 Shore Fisheries of the State of Maine j we wish especially to acknowledge the 

 help given us by Mr. Richard E. Reed, Commissioner, and Mr. Frank T, Baird, 

 State Biologist. This project is under the direct supervision o f Mr. Gerald 

 B. Talbot. 



Clinton E. Atkinson 

 Chief, Middle and South 



Atlantic Fishery Investigations. 

 Fish and Wildlife Service 



May 10,1951 



