Sea-Run – also known as “Diadromous” fishes spend one part of their lives in freshwater and another part in saltwater. To complete their life cycles, these special species must be able to move freely between the ocean and the rivers, streams, and lakes of Maine. Eleven of the twelve sea-run species in Maine are anadromous. This means that they are born in freshwater and head out to the ocean where they grow to maturity before returning to Maine’s lakes, rivers, or streams to reproduce. The catadromous American Eel does the exact opposite, they are born in the ocean and migrate to freshwater to grow and mature.
To learn more about the species DMR's Sea-Run Fisheries and Habitat Bureau manages, select the images below.
Alewife
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Sturgeon
American Eel
American Shad
Blueback Herring
Rainbow Smelt
Sea Lamprey
Shortnose Sturgeon
Striped Bass
Tomcod
