Inventory and Analysis of Barriers to Fish Passage

for Six Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Tributaries

Fish species that migrate between fresh and marine waters during their life cycle are collectively referred to as diadromous fish. Historically Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve tributaries provided unobstructed and valuable nursery and spawning habitat for diadromous fish. Over the years, installation of dams, road crossings, channelization of streams, and the destruction of terrestrial habitat adjacent to streams has created physical barriers to fish migration, as well as contributed to the degradation of fish habitat along the south shore of Long Island. The Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) addresses the need for diadromous fish habitat restoration and the assessment of barriers to fish passage between the estuary and its freshwater tributaries. A Diadromous Fish Work Group has been convened to provide guidance for the assessment and implementation of fish habitat restoration within the Reserve.

This report represents an inventory and assessment of in-stream physical barriers (including culverts, bridges, and dams) that has been conducted within six prioritized tributaries of the Long Island south Shore Estuary Reserve: Carll’s River (Babylon); Brown’s River (Islip); and Swan River, Mud Creek, Beaver Dam Creek and Carman’s River (Brookhaven). These tributaries were identified by the Diadromous Fish Work Group as having the greatest potential for habitat restoration through fish passage improvements due to the historic documentation of spawning runs and existing quality of natural habitat.

Report Contents:

Final Report

Appendix A: Field Data Sheets and Photographs

A-1 Carll's River Photographs
A-2 Brown's River Photographs
A-3 Swan River Photographs
A-4 Mud Creek Photographs
A-5 Beaver Dam Creek Photographs
A-6 Carman's River Photographs
A-7 Blank Data Sheets and Database Keys

Appendix B: Dam Prioritization Sheets

Appendix C: Crossing Prioritization Sheets

Appendix D: Conceptual Plans

Appendix E: Funding Opportunities

Figure 1-1: Target Tributaries

Figure 2-1: Carll's River

Figure 2-2: Brown's River

Figure 2-3: Swan River

Figure 2-4: Mud Creek

Figure 2-5: Beaver Dam Creek

Figure 2-6: Carman's River

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