Page 114 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

HERRING
FISHERY
COMMISSION
Team, and others to continue the lood study project funded by
the state, and the Nemasket dredging project, identified as a
top priority in the management plan. We had hoped the
dredging project, which would clear sand and sediment from
below the Assawompset dam and alleviate a sandbar blocking
low in the river, would have come to fruition this year.
Unfortunately, it is still in the planning and survey stage.
On the bright side, we were funded for a second weed removal
project in the summer, utilizing the EcoHarvester which pulls
weeds rather than cuts them. Through the leadership of
warden Tom Barron, working with SRPEDD, the Conservation
Commission, and the Nature Conservancy, we were able to clear
a portion of the river between Vaughn St. to the railroad bridge
below Bridge St. which will improve low at least temporarily.
We continued to meet visitors at the fish ladders and explain
the herring migration, gave talks and programs about the
herring migration and participated in the Herring Run Festival
to get the word out about our eforts. We counted herring
several times per day (to provide numbers for the yearly
estimates), thanks to our wardens, observers and several
tireless counting volunteers. We maintained and adjusted
water levels in the fish ladders.
Visitors are always welcome to view the herring at the fish
ladders, located in Thomas Memorial Park on Wareham Street
and at Oliver Mill Park on Plymouth Street at Rt. 44. Please
enjoy the view, but stay out of the fish ladders and please, no
unauthorized nets.
Although herring catching has been banned since 2006, Native
Americans with a tribal identification card are legally allowed
to catch a reasonable amount of river herring for sustenance.
People may see legal herring catching at times. If you see
anything suspicious, please call the local police.
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