Every spring, river herring migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Before Europeans arrived in this region, millions of fish could be seen in herring runs. But pollution, dams, and overfishing drastically reduced the number.
Over the past two decades, conservation groups, local towns, the state and Mashpee Tribal leaders have worked to restore river habitat. The herring are making a slow comeback. So much so that for the first time, people who are not members of a tribe are allowed to take herring from a run in Harwich.
Joining us to talk about river herring and the habitat restoration that’s helping bring back the species:
Connor O’Brien, Director of Land Stewardship at Harwich Conservation Trust
Linda Deegan, board member of Coonamessett River Trust and senior Scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center.
