Annual Herring Count - a Spring Project of Red Lily Pond Project

Herring located in annual count

Herring Run Counting 2025

Eighteen RLPPA and community volunteers completed 9 weeks of herring counting at the Lake Elizabeth dam site from April 1 to May 31, 2025. Counts took place at least four times each day. ONE herring was counted, a number that will be valued at an estimate of 50 by the program. This is valuable data as it shows the impact of the deterioration of the dam and fish ladder.

This data is used to support the need to continue a “fish ladder” at the site of the dam that enables herring to enter the lake once they have made it up the herring run itself. Herring enter the run from the Centerville River and come up the stream that runs under the Sandy Lane walk-over, under the 40 steps bridge and through the culvert under Lake Elizabeth Drive.

This project is part of a Cape-wide program run by the Association to Protect Cape Cod (APCC).  Below is the introduction to the River Herring Run Program.  The full article is available at https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/herring/

The Importance of River Herring

River herring (alewife and blueback herring) are keystone species in the Atlantic coastal ecosystem. These forage fish sustain a rich food web, nourishing predators such as striped bass, ospreys, seals, and dolphins. Their annual spawning migrations transport vital nutrients from the ocean into freshwater systems, enriching these ecosystems and supporting aquatic life.

Beyond their ecological importance, river herring have deep cultural and economic significance for coastal communities. For centuries, these fish have sustained local fisheries and provided a valuable food source. Their runs are often tied to community events and traditional practices.

River herring are an indicator of the health of the coastal ecosystem—their well-being reflects the overall state of the environment. Declines in river herring populations can signal watershed problems, such as altered hydrology and water quality. Their disappearance disrupts the delicate balance of the food web, impacting predator populations and potentially leading to cascading effects throughout the marine environment.

Consider Volunteering!

Volunteering is easy but important. A signup sheet is circulated for each month, a thermometer is provided to measure air and water temps at each count, a “clicker” to count the herring (although our count is small) and a data recording sheet. The counting site is easily accessible just below the dam.

As a volunteer you are part of a team of neighbors and friends. Many “year-round” Craigville residents volunteer each year, as do residents who are here for some limited periods of time during counting season. Many volunteers note that they enjoy the opportunity to be outside and by the stream as spring comes to Craigville and turns to early summer. Any amount of time you can give to this project will make a difference.

Please consider becoming a Herring Count volunteer! Contact Patricia Deyton for more information.

View Diadromous Fish Updates 2022

Red Lily Pond mentioned on page 26

Here is a link to a board game about herring runs and counts from the Association to Protect Cape Cod. It’s a fun for people of all ages.

https://apcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Boardgame-3-2-18-compressed.pdf