Hands-On Environmental Science: Aquatic Study with Susquehanna University

As part of my ongoing collaboration with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, I recently participated in an aquatic study led by Susquehanna University at the fish ladder near the dam. The study was focused on safely documenting fish species that can become trapped in isolated pockets of water when dam levels are lowered. 

While most fish are safely captured, documented, and returned to the river, some are unfortunately lost when water levels drop in certain areas. These situations are part of the natural and managed challenges in river ecosystems—but they also provide important learning opportunities. The data collected during studies like this help scientists and the community better understand fish populations, migration patterns, and overall river health. 

The addition of the fish ladder has already made a meaningful difference, allowing species that were previously blocked by the dam to navigate upstream during migration seasons. While no system is perfect, these efforts represent an important step toward balancing recreational use of the river with the health of local fish populations. 

The process involved students and staff using electroshocking to capture fish, which were then carefully placed in nets and buckets with bubblers to keep them healthy. At the base station, fish were measured, weighed, and temporarily placed in recovery tanks before being returned to the main flow of the river. Observing and supporting this work provided insight into the care and precision required in documenting species while ensuring their safety.