Downeast Salmon Federation

06/04/2026

Come say 👋 on June 13th and join us for a paddle on the Orange River!

🛶 FREE Community Paddle!

Join us on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM for a fun day exploring the Orange River Watershed.

Register today: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/f44mofL7/paddle-the-orange-river-watershed-4a3UUpE2I5/overview

06/01/2026

Today is !

Wild salmon need healthy rivers, connected habitats, and communities willing to take action.

A future with wild salmon depends on the work we do today and it's a responsibility we all share.

Be sure to "raise the flag" and show your support for salmon, the habitats they depend on, and the people and projects that are making a difference all around the world.

05/28/2026

We’re just days away from our For All the Fish Conference & Concert on May 31st featuring headliners, The Mallett Brothers Band!

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at Greenhorns for helping bring this event to life and for their shared commitment to healthy rivers, thriving fisheries, and resilient coastal communities here in Downeast Maine.

📍 Conference: DSF Hatchery in East Machias | 9:00a–1:00p
📍 Free Concert: Bad Little Falls Park, Machias | 4:00p–9:00p

We can’t wait to see you there.
More information at https://forallthefish.org/

05/28/2026

In case you missed it, DSF’s Director of Development & Communications, Ashleigh Tucker Po***ck, recently spoke with News Center Maine regarding the Maine DEP’s latest decision on Brookfield’s water quality certification for the Union River dams in Ellsworth.

As the largest river in Maine without effective fish passage, the future of the Union River remains critically important for sea-run fish, river health, and our coastal communities.

The century-old dam's water quality issues sparked debate on its future. Can it be a turning point for the Union River's health? Learn more about the local impact. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/tech/science/environment/river-dam-ellsworth-maine-water-quality-certification/97-67a77b44-222e-4f33-b361-39598e36c1a5?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NEWS_CENTER_Maine

05/26/2026

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a draft denial of Brookfield’s latest Water Quality Certification application for the Union River dams in Ellsworth — citing concerns related to water quality, aquatic habitat, dissolved oxygen, and fish passage.

Now, the public has an opportunity to weigh in.

We encourage community members, river users, anglers, business owners, and anyone who cares about the future of the Union River to submit comments to the DEP in support of strong protections for the river and its sea-run fish.

The Union River is the largest river in Maine without effective, volitional fish passage. Decisions made now could shape the future health of this watershed for decades to come.

The comment deadline has been extended and are due by 5:00 PM on May 27.

Learn more and submit comments here:

On June 18, 2025, Black Bear Hydro Partners LLC submitted an application for a Water Quality Certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1341 et. seq. for the federal relicensing and continued operation of the Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project (Project). Federal regula...

05/26/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 2 for a community pre-construction meeting for the Cherryfield Fish Passage Improvement Project.

Project partners will share what residents and visitors can expect during construction this summer at Cable Pool Park, provide updates on the project timeline, and answer questions from the community.

This project will help restore fish passage on the Narraguagus River while maintaining important flood resilience and community infrastructure in downtown Cherryfield.

📍 Cherryfield Academy
🕠 Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM
🍪 Light refreshments served

Bring your family, friends, and questions — we hope to see you there!

05/21/2026

Catch The Mallett Brothers Band live in Machias on May 31st as part of a special evening of music, community, and conversation, celebrating Maine's fisheries, coastal communities, and the fish that connect us all. 🤘

Learn more info about this event, and our collective initiative for protecting our coastal waters at www.forallthefish.org

Machias, Maine! We’ll be playing a FREE show at Bad Little Falls on Sunday, May 31, as part of the Greenhorns’ “For All the Fish” environmental conference and concert. We’re looking forward to catching sets from our friends The Milk & Honey Rebellion and The Midnight Riders, and to spending a day in beautiful Downeast Maine, and hope you can join us!

More info about the day here ->> https://greenhorns.org/event/for-all-the-fish-concert-festival/

05/20/2026

Join us this Sat. 5/23 in Cherryfield for World Fish Migration Day on the Narraguagus River with Maine Coast Heritage Trust!

DSF will be on site sharing updates on the upcoming Cherryfield Fish Passage Improvement Project, which will replace the final mainstem dam on the Narraguagus River with a nature-like fishway designed to restore fish passage while maintaining important community benefits.

Stop by to learn more about how this project will improve river connectivity for Atlantic salmon, river herring, American shad, and other sea-run fish — and celebrate the incredible migrations that continue to shape Downeast Maine’s rivers and communities.

ICYMI, check out a recent article from Nature Connects about this project: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/17/fish-passage-flood-control-and-a-maine-town-united-nature-connects/?copylink=true

05/19/2026

Join Greenhorns and Downeast Salmon Federation on May 31 at For All the Fish — a day of music, conversation, and action celebrating Downeast Maine’s wild rivers, coastal ecosystems, and fisheries, while shining a light on the growing concerns surrounding industrial salmon net-pen farming and its impacts on Maine’s coastal waters.

Come learn what’s at stake, connect with others who care deeply about Maine’s coast, and discover ways you can help protect our public waters and wild fisheries.

May 31st

Presentations, Food vendors, beer tent from Mason’s Brewery, speakers, films, and more!

9:00a–1:00p: Conference + Teach-In at DSF in East Machias
4:00p–9:00p: Concert featuring The Mallett Brothers Band, Milk & Honey Rebellion, and Midnight Riders at Bad Little Falls Park, Machias

More info: forallthefish.org

Check out additional resources to help you stay in the know on this issue:

Conservation Law Foundation's lawsuit against Cooke Aquaculture: https://www.clf.org/newsroom/clf-to-sue-one-of-worlds-largest-salmon-producers-for-ocean-pollution/

The Guardian: Salmon farm faces new cruelty claims
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/14/seafood-company-abuse-claims-fish-farming

05/19/2026

Reminder! The Fifth Annual Pennamaquan Alewife Festival is happening this Saturday, May 23 in Pembroke.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates the return of river herring to the Pennamaquan River with live music, local food, art activities, canoeing, restoration workshops, fish talks, and more.

We'll see you there!