This May 2, 2025, we are thrilled to welcome the first sea-run Atlantic salmon of the season back to the Penobscot River! This powerful swimmer has completed an incredible journey—migrating from Maine’s rivers to the vast North Atlantic and now returning home to spawn, continuing a cycle that has been part of Maine’s natural heritage for thousands of years.
This moment isn’t just exciting—it’s historic. Atlantic salmon are a keystone species and an endangered treasure. Their return signals the health of our rivers and the resilience of our ecosystems. The Penobscot, one of the last strongholds for wild Atlantic salmon in the United States, stands as a symbol of hope and restoration.
Every fish that returns is a testament to the hard work of conservationists, Indigenous communities, scientists, and citizens dedicated to restoring Maine’s rivers and protecting this iconic species.
Let’s celebrate this mighty fish and continue our shared effort to ensure the Atlantic salmon have a home in Maine’s waters for generations to come!