The annual herring count begins on April 1st and this year we hope to have a large volunteer turnout to keep an eye on the river as the fish make their journey. Counts have been low in the Jones over the past few years, and while that is disappointing, a herring count is still a great excuse to get out in nature for a little bit and breath the fresh spring air while simultaneously helping provide data for a long running fish stock assessment that helps guide fisheries management decisions.

We hope to have a training session at a fish ladder before April for those unfamiliar with the sites, but the weather forecast is not currently in our favor, so instead we will be hosting a training session at Jones River Landing. This session will be very informal with light refreshments provided, feel free to drop in late and just ask a question or two or show up to learn the very basics.

River herring were once an important local food source, as well as a key part of the local economy: by being exported as well as feeding larger export fish. Unfortunately habitat loss and overfishing have taken their toll. These counts are a necessary step on the path towards restoring their numbers. We hope to see you out there.