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Protected Endangered Marine & Anadromous Fish

The National Marine Fisheries Service has jurisdiction over the majority of anadromous (lives in salt water but spawns in fresh water) and marine fish listed under the Endangered Species Act. Most of the fish species listed as endangered under the ESA are from the salmon family, but shortnose sawfish, smalltooth sawfish and totoaba are also protected.

Atlantic Salmon
- These anadromous fish were once found in virtually every river north of the Hudson River, but are seen in only 11 rivers today. Atlantic salmon grow to 30-inches in length and can weigh up to12-pounds after spending two years in the ocean. These salmon have a complex life history that begins with juveniles hatching in fresh water rivers. These young salmon remain in their natal river for up to three years before they undergo smoltification, which is the physiological process that prepares them to enter salt water. These fish then migrate to the ocean, where they remain for two winters. Atlantic salmon typically return to the rivers of New England in the beginning of spring
Smalltooth Sawfish
- These fish are classified as elasmobranches, because their skeleton comprises cartilage, as does that of skates, sharks and rays. Sawfish are modified rays, but possess a shark-like body. These protected fish, derive their name from the elongated snouts, which are edged with teeth. The smalltooth sawfish uses its flat snout to source and kill potential prey. Smalltooth sawfish, which typically reach 18 ft in length, are ovoviviparous and give birth to litters of 15 to 20 pups. This species lives over sandy bottoms, in shallow coastal waters. Smalltooth sawfish feed on crustaceans and fish.
Shortnose Sturgeon
- These are among the most primitive of all bony fishes. The shortnose sturgeon, whose body is covered by five rows of scutes or bony plates, is the smallest of the three sturgeon species found in eastern North America. This endangered sturgeon grows to a maximum length of 4.7 feet. Shortnose sturgeons are anadromous fish that breed in coastal waters, but do not undertake long migrations, as salmon do. These fish feed on crustaceans and mollusks on the river or ocean bottom.
Totoaba
- This is a large marine fish which can grow to over 6-feet in length. Young totoaba feed mainly tiny crabs and shrimps on the sea floor, while adult fish eat sardines and large crabs. Mature totoaba migrate in spring to the Colorado River delta, where they breed. This delta provides the warm water with a low salinity, which is preferred by the totoaba. Juvenile fish remain in the upper Gulf of California for a two year period. Totoaba live for 25 years and are typically found in the upper half of the Gulf.

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