Many diadromous species support important commercial and/or recreational fisheries. The commercial harvest of these species provides jobs, economic development, and puts fish on the grocery store shelves. Recreational fishing also provides jobs and economic development.
In addition, these species have an important role within the ecosystem. Diadromous fish eat small fish, insects, and plants, and are a food source themselves for larger fish, birds, and mammals. This part of a food web is an important link in energy transfer between primary producers (plants), and top-end consumers.
Historically, American Indian tribes have relied on diadromous fish, such as salmon and eel, as a major part of their diets. The seasonal and geographic migrations of certain species had impacts on the movement of nomadic tribes. Even as diadromous fish populations have declined today, they remain an important part of tribal cultures, and tribal fishing rights are protected by law.
