However, this charismatic species holds special meaning to the people of New England that defies easy explanation. One factor is the perception of the salmon as an ecological sentinel of water quality. People remember when the Connecticut River was severely polluted, supporting relatively few fish, and there is great pride that salmon have returned. The yearly salmon run is an indicator that conditions are improving and that the environment we all share is healthier. For most residents, Atlantic salmon are not an issue of personal economics, but they are valuable.
People care if salmon are out there, to fish for, look at, and celebrate.
Perhaps the two biggest challenges are the effect of marine habitat on sea-survival of fish, and the development of stocks that are genetically suited to the Connecticut River ecosystem. Fisheries management can do little to affect the status of the marine habitat. Many researchers believe that the quantity and quality of marine habitat fluctuates cyclically and conditions will soon improve, naturally. Regarding Connecticut River stocks, managers can provide the best conditions by releasing appropriate donor stocks and minimizing artificial selection, but the actual mechanics of developing a river-specific stock is the natural, slow process of evolution. Available data indicate that these two natural factors will proceed in a manner that will be beneficial to the Program.