During the 2024 spring spawning season, thousands of invasive fish were removed from the fish lift at the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River.
Much of the catch was donated to local food banks through a continuing partnership between Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Conowingo Dam owner Constellation Energy, environmental consulting firm Normandeau Associates Inc., and local seafood wholesaler J.J. McDonnell and Co. Inc.
The fish lift at Conowingo Dam collects migrating anadromous fish species, such as American shad, during their spawning run and transports them above the dam into the upper Susquehanna River and their traditional spawning areas. When invasive fish enter the lift, technicians remove them by hand and send them out for beneficial use.
From March to June, more than 18,000 pounds of invasive fish were removed from Maryland waters, including 2,106 northern snakehead; 746 flathead catfish; and 36 blue catfish. The number of snakeheads removed at the dam was more than double the amount removed in any year since the program began in 2021.
To put the harvested fish to good use, J.J. McDonnell processed most for consumption, including a portion they distributed to local Maryland food banks. DNR kept some fish for outreach events and scientific research.
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish pose significant risks to native fish and other marine life. All three species are established in the lower Susquehanna River.
DNR urges anglers to harvest these species when they catch them and report catches in new areas using the Invasive Species Tracker form on the DNR website.
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources