Resilient rivers, Resilient coasts: River restoration benefits for river herring populations.

Project Leader: 
Research Partners: 
Michelle Staudinger (UMASS, USGS); MA Div of Marine Fisheries; MA Div. of Fish and Wildlife and MA. Div. of Ecological Restoration; SeaRun Brook Trout; Falmouth Rod and Gun Club, Falmouth Fisherman Association.
Project Fellows: 
Status: 
Ongoing
Science Themes: 
Ecological vulnerability and species response to climate variability and change
Climate impacts on freshwater resources and ecosystems

Understanding the coupled dynamics of the ocean and freshwater ecosystems through the migration of anadromous fish is a critical need to build resilient ecosystems and populations.  This project uses passive induced transponder tagging of migrating river herring in the Coonamessett River to help identify areas to target restoration and to evaluate the success of the restoration. 

Presentations: 
  • River Herring Network meeting, Falmouth, MA, 2019 
  • American Fisheries Society, New England Chapter, Fall meeting. 
Engagement: 
  • Video and print coverage by "On the Water," Falmouth and Mashpee Enterprise newspapers, WHRC Facebook page and Twitter, Coonamessett River Website and Facebook Page.  Over 400 tagged herring were 'adopted' by local school kids (2, 3, 4, and 6 grades in 3 school districts and 10 schools).  May 13, 2016.