A call to action:

I am in the process of developing a grass roots, volunteer effort along

the mid Atlantic region, starting here in NJ to help preserve what is left
of depleted river herring populations. The term “River herring” is
actually used to describe two anadromous species, The Alewife and
Blueback. River herring are a vital part of the marine food web
providing valuable nutrition to a large variety of fish, birds, mammals,
amphibians and reptiles.

As humans and concerned citizens, we must realize that rebuilding a

sustainable aquatic food web is the key to a healthy eco system and its
collapse would be detrimental to us and wildlife.

As fisherman, populations of valuable game fish like striped bass,

summer flounder, bluefish, weakfish, tuna etc would increase when
herring populations are restored. Individual Fish health will improve
and make them more resistant against disease. Rebuilding the aquatic
food web is vital to all types of fishing. Recreational fishing for striped
bass alone would thrive with future healthy river herring runs.

Each year in early spring, these fish migrate in from the ocean and
head up rivers and streams to spawn in fresh or brackish water.
Alewife herring arrive first, and then Blueback herring a few weeks
later. The 2010 season is quickly approaching and it is important that
we get moving now.

It is important to realize that river herring populations have been

depleted to a point where a complete collapse appears imminent at
this time.

Depletion is occurring at the highest level out at sea. Unfortunately,

the river herring mix in with other migratory fish, like mackerel and
Atlantic herring and are caught and brought up in the mid water trawl
fishing nets. This type of fishing is extremely effective at catching
large numbers of fish at one time, but does not discriminate, so the
river herring are “by catch” and large numbers are discarded at sea.
While there are efforts being made to stop this practice, the
complicated process will take too long to implement.

Additional river herring depletion has occurred over time due to the
construction of dams and other obstructions in the rivers and streams
that prevent the herring from reaching preferred spawning grounds.
There are a few “fish ladders” around New Jersey, but at a cost of over
200k each, they are few and far between. In our state alone, there are
over 200 bodies of water that have been identified and confirmed as
spawning spots for river herring.

Latest budget cuts and an awful economy insure that no new fish
ladders will be built in the near future. Note that several other forage
species use the fish ladders, like American eel and American shad.
These species are equally important in the food web.

This is where we come in, with a little effort we can help to preserve
and increase the populations. It is my vision to have volunteers "LIFT"
river herring, with nets and buckets, all along the coast.
It is up to us to help the alewives and bluebacks make it over stream
obstructions to spawning grounds. At this time we can also begin
compiling baseline population data so that we can monitor herring
success.

Herring Lift 2010 is only the beginning. Ultimately, my goal for this
program is to generate public attention to the plight of the river
herring and generate badly needed funding for more fish ladders, dam
removal and or improvement, “at sea” observers and local game
enforcement in New Jersey and the rest of the Mid Atlantic region.

Our flagship fish ladder project is located at the headwaters of the

Navesink River in Red Bank, New Jersey. There is a dam at the base of
Shadow Lake that screams out for a fish ladder. It is my intention,
with the generous support of organizations and individuals to build the
"Dery Bennett" fish ladder there in the near future and hope that these
efforts will help to expedite its construction.
I just hope that our immediate lifting efforts will preserve enough river
herring to return and swim up the ladder to rebuild the stock.