RICHMOND — The James River Association recently highlighted alarming declines of migratory fish in the James River.
The announcement was made to mark World Aquatic Animal Day April 3.
“We are sounding the alarm to help people become aware of what’s happening to migratory fish in the James, and encourage folks to get involved in recovery and conservation efforts,” said Bill Street, CEO of the James River Association. “More research and advocacy are needed to understand what’s driving these species declines in the James and other freshwater rivers in Virginia, and to support conservation tactics that rebuild habitat, improve water quality, and protect juvenile fish.”
Migratory fish are born and spawn in freshwater but live their lives in saltwater, explains JRA. The most vulnerable species that are found in the James River — such as American Shad, Atlantic Sturgeon, striped bass, and river herring — live the majority of their lives in the Atlantic Ocean before returning to the James to spawn each year.
These fish play a critical role in the river’s health and ecosystem and have been economically and culturally important to Virginians and Indigenous Peoples for centuries, JRA explained, but these species face alarming declines.
American Shad, often referred to as “America’s Founding Fish,” has fallen to a zero on JRA’s State of the James report since 2021. Other species such as river herring and striped bass are also facing declining numbers, while the Atlantic Sturgeon remains on the federal endangered species list.
JRA is encouraging the public to visit its website to learn more about the common threats impacting these species and learn how they can get involved to support recovery efforts.
