" The event marks one of the most important milestones in a multi-million dollar program to restore migratory fish populations "

Researchers have documented the first adult American shad to utilize new fish passage facilities at two major hydro-electric dams on the Lower Susquehanna River. The event marks one of the most important milestones in a multi-million dollar program to restore migratory fish populations to the river, an effort that has roots in the 1800s.

For the last several years, biologists have looked toward the 1997 spawning run. Completion of high tech passage devices was to mark this year as the first time since the construction of the Holtwood and Safe Harbor dams in the early 1900s that migratory fishes could pass through those blockages. The silvery fish did not disappoint, with the first adult American shad swimming though the Holtwood Dam on April 18; the first shad at Safe Harbor Dam was documented April 21.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Peter A. Colangelo noted the historic significance of the event, pointing out that the initial shad restoration effort in Pennsylvania began 131 years ago with the formation of the current agency.