Historical Fishery
The rainbow smelt is a prized table fish with cultural, ecological, and economic importance along its native range from Virginia to the Canadian Maritimes. Smelt fisheries were prominent in numerous coastal communities on the east coast of the United States until the latter half of the twentieth century. Southern populations from Virginia through Rhode Island have gradually declined and appear to have...
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Basic Biology
Averaging 6 to 8 inches long, rainbow smelt are slender with a pointed head and a large mouth. They are green on top with slightly paler sides and a silver belly. They have a conspicuous silvery streak running lengthwise along each side. Rainbow smelt can live as long as 6 years, but more typically they live 3 or 4 years. Both sexes become sexually mature at about 2 years of age, although some...
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Threats
The number of rainbow smelt has plummeted in recent decades, even in streams that once hosted abundant runs each spring. The diminishing numbers have become evident in the Gulf of Maine. Historically, rainbow smelt had a geographic range from Virginia to the Canadian Maritimes, but now the species is believed to have disappeared from waters south of Massachusetts. Recognizing the plight of the rainbow...
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Finding Solutions
- The state governments of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are working together to understand the rainbow smelt’s status and threats, and to plan a regional conservation effort for the species. Scientific research by the three-state collaborative focuses on the status of the smelt population and the condition of spawning areas in streams, which may be a key factor in the rainbow...
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What Can You Do?
Individual citizens and towns can take important steps to help the rainbow smelt recover. Local efforts are essential and can make a big difference in the survival of the species. 1. Get to know your smelt runs. Find out where smelt spawn in your town and insist that local officials protect these valuable habitats. 2. Fix dams and culverts blocking smelt...
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Learn More
Listed on this page are selected publications, presentations, websites, videos, and other sources of information about rainbow smelt. Funding for this website was provided through a grant from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for “A Multi-State Collaborative to Develop and Implement a Conservation Program for Three Anadromous Finfish Species of Concern in the Gulf of...
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Rainbow smelt are an important part of New England's ecosystem and culture, but the species is declining precipitously. Scientists and resource managers are developing a plan to protect the species. People can take action now to help.
