I left last nights workshop on the Herring Run Closures both more informed and more upset. The proposal is to close the Apponaug Run, Buckeye Brook, and Prince's Pond in Barrington. The reason is there is an apparent lack of herring at these runs. While Buckeye Brook seemed off this year from two great runs the previous two years, the Apponaug Run has been pretty stinkin' good for the last three. I know as I've been there and had many fellow anglers tell me what they've experienced.
Sadly, there is no had data to support how good or how bad the runs are. There is
NO efficient, consistent data to be modeled. Nothing. Unlike the management plan of say, the stripers where you have loosely consistent data extending across years and years to make you decision, for these runs there are NO numbers to base these drastic closure measures. A closure will work, no doubt about that, but it's much too harsh and far likely overkill.
Several recommendations were made by the anglers present intead of a complete closure. They included a reduced bag limit, and temporary relocation of the saltwater demarcation in locations that expressed HEAVY pressure. Also promoted were a seasonal start like May 1st - May 15 to protect prespawn fish. And as usual, we ALL SCREAMED FOR ENFORCEMENT. Tough to do when DEM has no money but all of this regulation is CRAP if it cannot be enforced! Other areas that need to be addressed are the actual conditions of the runs, from the horrid chemial de-icer dumpings from the Airport into Buckeye Brook to the obstructions that make getting the herring easier which can restrict them from getting up the runs to reducing overgrown vegetation and creating fishways and ladders.
There are some drastic steps mentioned here but they are better than a complete closure. It is also VITAL to have hard data before closing entire areas instead of basing it on guesses and gut feelings, especially when more sensible restrictions have NOT been implemented.
Last night I fell asleep 4 times writing this letter to Jan Reitsma and John Stolgitis from DFW so I hope it does not ramble too much at the end... I did edit out a couple items as they are "SPOT" issues and shouldn't be shown live on the Internet, and further increase the pressure on the fish (and some CT Loberstermen throw there herring nets there too
).
Thanks,
John
And thanks to Striperswiper that also showed last night from S-B at the hearings.
Quote:
July 10, 2003
Jan Reitsma, Director DEM
John Stolgitis, Chief, Division of Fish and Wildlife
Dear Sirs:
First I would like to thank both of you for holding the informal workshop this evening regarding the possible closure of three herring runs; Prince Pond in Barrington and the outlet stream to the Barrington River; Warwick Pond in Warwick and the outlet stream, Buckeye Brook and Gorton Pond in Warwick and the outlet stream, Harding Brook. I always feel more informed about local fishery issues after leaving an interactive session such as today’s DEM workshop. Although I do not always agree with the decisions, I usually feel an honest effort is made to attempt to reach an equitable resolution between the parties involved. Again, thank you.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend any of the previous public sessions regarding the possible closure of these popular herring runs. I try to attend as many as I can in order to be part of the process and to inform my fellow anglers. This issue troubles me greatly as I am both an avid user of two of these runs in question and I live very near the inlet of Buckeye Brook and fish it frequently during the run. While certainly no expert of fisheries science and management, I do spend considerable time at these two runs and have valid even though not scientific information pertaining to the quality of and the issues associated with these locations.
Based on the lack of any hard data proving that these runs are in fact at dangerously low levels and the based on my personal observations of the Warwick runs in the past 3 seasons and the observations of some of my associates, I honestly believe that closing these runs is far too premature and too drastic of a measure to be taken at this time. Mr. Stolgitis admits there is not sufficient data pertaining to the quality of these runs. I understand and appreciate that he has not had the necessary resources available to him and the Division of Fish and Wildlife to collect data with anything even approaching an acceptable level of accuracy. He admits that much of his recommendation on closing these runs is based on instinct and experience but sadly that is not sufficient “science” to justify a complete closure of these resources. As you have learned with your increased participation in marine fisheries management, proper data collection is essential to properly manage a resource. I encourage you to consider against a blanket closure but to implement alternative methods that will provide an effective and responsible use of these resources while collecting the “hard facts” required to make informed decisions in the near future.
I personally have witnessed one good and two fantastic runs from Gorton’s pond in the past three seasons and two good seasons from Buckeye Brook previous to this year’s seemingly slow run. I also fish the mouth of Buckeye Brook often and can attest to the fantastic amount of post-spawn alewives exiting the mouth of the river system from mid May thru June in 2001 and 2002. I tend to fish the dropping tide in this location as the current sweeps the herring out of the lower river system and into Narragansett Bay just south of Conimicut Point. It is as natural of a dinner bell for predating fish as there is. Unfortunately, I did not see as much exiting the mouth of Buckeye Brook this year when compared to previous years and I did not see the typical activity of 2001-2002 at the various points of the run that I visually inspect nearly every day on my drive home from work. This drive on the way home from work has become the roots of a ritual of spring for me to check the three prime locations from the “Tubes” behind on Lake Shore Drive, the Chinese Restaurant on Warwick Ave, and finally the bridge at Tidewater Dr. I also get many “reports” from fellow knowledgeable anglers with exceptional time at these runs and in the Bay as to their current status.
Today’s workshop also illuminated several large problems with a closure of these runs. First, considerable license revenues may be lost if many of us do NOT purchase the freshwater license. Most coastal tackle shops will confirm that the majority of freshwater licenses sold is purely to take Alewives. Second, increased pressure from remaining license purchasers will be redistributed to other runs and there will likely be a dramatic increase of poaching at the closed locations. Seeing that DEM is staffed far below even the barest needs of enforcement, little will be done to curb this poaching and it will likely get worse. Third, excessive pressure is placed on the pre spawn and post spawn fish at a location along the brook . Fourth, with the explanation of the 4 year spawning circle would we be applying the best possible fix when it's needed the most if we don't even know realistically when it is really needed. Last, the pressure on fish in the taking of pre spawn herring can be significantly reduced.
I encourage you to explore other commonly accepted and practical methods to foster a healthy herring run based on solid and realistic data. Measures such as moving the saltwater demarcation point below the Rt1 dam would take considerable pressure if one’s shoulders. Implement a season of no taking of herring before May 1 in order to protect the spawn herring still moving up the run - perhaps even a reduced bag limit or a combination of the three. With proper regulation and enforcement, real data collection can begin so we can truly know what is needed.
Sincerely,
John Redmond
Owner / Operator www.Striped-Bass.com
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OK - a little ramble at the end
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