Omega Dam is located in East Providence, where the Ten Mile River flows into the Seekonk River. The ten foot dam keeps herring from being able to reach the fresh water above where they can spawn. There are ongoing projects to construct a fish ladder at this location, but for decades, the only way the fish have made it over the dam is by volunteers that scoop them at the base and release them over the dam.
This is what we call the human fish ladder, as you can see it is not a one man operation. Ideally you have at least three people involved at any time. Because there is a moratorium on possession of River Herring, this is closely regulated by the DEM. One of several special permit holders must be present while the fish are netted. This year we’re trying to get as many people involved with this as we can. We will be doing this roughly from the end of March until the end of May. The Ten Mile River Watershed Council will have their third annual Herring Scoop Day on April 25. If this is something you would like to help out with send an email to
netherring@gmail.com and I will get you on the list.