Volunteers Needed to Net Herring at Omega Dam

[Young Salt]

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.

[AT Grimaldi]

I'd be into it. send me a PM.

[JohnnyD]

Is April 25th the only day? I won't know what's going on with work until we get closer to April.

[ecduzitgood]

I think herring are cuter than seals, what a shame. Is it only the one day? Is it possible to enter the water or does it have to all be done from the side? I would like to see the herring put into a basket which then can be passed upward alowing better use of the one net Someone will hopefully bump this up as the date gets closer. I should be able to help and will mark the date.

[Clammer]

is Crazy Paulie >. still involved in that program . he,s F#$%^&*() nuts / but really cares about this program >>>>>>>>>> he just goes off on his own course for the last 55 years <><><>

[Young Salt]

We will be doing this whenever we can from end of march until the end of may. The april 25 date is the ten mile river's annual scoop/cleanup day (last year there were 75+people)

I think paul still does it...It's my understanding that he more or less created this run by getting fish from other runs and he along with the slater mill club started tossing them above the dam .

[Clammer]

yeah / that,s right ... he knows more about the habits of inshore bait & fish / than any person I have met in my life ;;
he,ll be going to his grave taking some reals [spots] with him ;;
I learned sooo much from him ... but don,t ever tell him >if ya see him ... just keep saying peanutbutter ><><><

[redcrbbr]

do we get to shoot the cormmorants?

talking about helping the herring, a true sign of spring.

[Young Salt]

Originally Posted by Young Salt

The Ten Mile River Watershed Council will have their third annual Herring Scoop Day on April 25.

Bump