This project is a continuation of an ongoing BIO-monitoring initiative for primarily american shad and river herring of the susquehanna river basin that pennsylvania has been leading SINCE1995

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania $719,977 on January 1, 2026, under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (CFDA 11.474) to continue a bio-monitoring initiative for American shad and river herring populations in the Susquehanna River Basin that Pennsylvania has led since 1995.

The award funds two primary objectives executed in the upper Susquehanna River. Spring-season work encompasses adult alosine bio-monitoring and egg collections, including adult fish surveys, hatchery re-stocking, and egg collections. Fall-season work includes juvenile alosine bio-monitoring and otolith analysis for hatchery evaluation, comprising juvenile fish surveys, otolith analysis, and hatchery evaluations. The overall goal is to restore self-sustaining, robust, and productive stocks of migratory fish capable of producing sustainable fisheries to the Susquehanna River Basin.

Performance occurs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The period of performance extends from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029. This is a project grant, an assistance type that may extend up to five years; funding for years beyond the first is contingent on availability of program funds and recipient performance against project objectives and reporting requirements.

This funding would support the work to continue restoring self-sustaining, robust, and productive stocks of migratory fish capable of producing sustainable fisheries to the susquehanna river basin. This goal will be achieved through two primary objectives: 1) adult alosine BIO-monitoring and EGG collections, including adult fish surveys, hatchery RE-stocking, and EGG collections in the upper susquehanna river during the spring season; and 2) juvenile alosine BIO-monitoring and otolith analysis for hatchery evaluation, including juvenile fish surveys, otolith analysis, and hatchery evaluations in the fall season.