In the past few years, managers have concentrated more effort on rivers and streams, particularly those in the Androscoggin drainage. A complete biological survey involves several year's work including electro-fishing and identification of areas in need of habitat restoration. Meanwhile, monitoring on Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic lakes continues to show healthy salmon populations. In fact, slowed growth rates due to too many small salmon on the latter lake prompted a recommendation for regulations to encourage keeping smaller fish. Meanwhile, managers responded to a decline in salmon growth rates on nearby Richardson lakes by reducing salmon stocking, and early results are positive.
Work includes lake and stream habitat and fish population assessments and sport fisheries surveys.
Of particular note are results that show Moosehead Lake is on the road to recovery from a recent slump. Biologists are also monitoring and evaluating bass populations and habitat. Bass have become increasingly important as a recreational species, but illegal introductions of this non-native fish can jeopardize, and in some cases eliminate existing cold water fisheries. Other projects include analyzing results of a recently-completed survey of ponds in Baxter State Park and studying the interactions between Atlantic salmon and brook trout on the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Data will later be used to evaluate effectiveness of regulations and to assess the condition of the fish and the contribution of hatchery fish to the fishery.