Endangered salmon proposal covers 3 rivers (in Maine)

[jpak]

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/50042.html

Federal agencies have proposed designating Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot, Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers as endangered species, raising the possibility of another battle between U.S. and state officials over the beloved sportfish.

Eight years ago, federal officials added Atlantic salmon populations in more than a half-dozen smaller midcoast and Down East rivers to the endangered species list. But the federal agencies delayed a decision on the state’s largest rivers, citing the need for more study.

The proposal to extend those protections to the Penobscot — home to the vast majority of sea-run salmon returning to U.S. waters annually — as well as the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers was not unexpected.

Several conservation groups praised the long-awaited decision, which was based on a 2006 status review involving state and federal biologists. But state officials were unenthusiastic about the prospect of adding Maine’s largest rivers — all of which have dams and heavy industry — to the list of waterways with protected salmon.

<more>