Volunteers needed for annual Buckeye Brook fish count

Luke Huddon
Posted 3/19/15

Although it may appear that winter is here to stay, for Paul Earnshaw of the Buckeye Brook Coalition, spring is just around the corner and so, too, is the annual fish count.

Earnshaw, vice …

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Volunteers needed for annual Buckeye Brook fish count

Posted

Although it may appear that winter is here to stay, for Paul Earnshaw of the Buckeye Brook Coalition, spring is just around the corner and so, too, is the annual fish count.

Earnshaw, vice president of the coalition, is eagerly recruiting volunteers for the count in Buckeye Brook starting next month. He said this week he has about 17 volunteers but could use 40.

Volunteers are asked to perform a minimum of one 10-minute count once a week, although multiple counts are helpful. All counts are performed at the Warwick Avenue Bridge. Fish are counted as they traverse a white panel submerged in the bed of the brook.

But what about the snow?

As a record-breaking February brought frigid temperatures and mounds of snow, Buckeye Brook became highly susceptible to altercations in the water content and runoff salt from consistent plows.

“It’s not going to do any good,” said Earnshaw, “but the herrings are coming from ocean water and have had a substantial amount of time acclimating in the bay.”

Earnshaw believes only the time of the run will be affected. Last year, the herring arrived the second and third weeks of April, which was later than prior years. This year could be similar, but the herring can be unpredictable. He said the run is usually strongest when waters warm up to the mid 40s and low 50s.

Nevertheless, the results from the past three years have served as encouragement for Earnshaw. Although last year’s count was down at 45,234, it is still significantly better than the early to mid-2000s numbers that failed to surpass 35,000.

“This is the time to give more and more attention…I’m looking forward to the uptake and community involvement,” said Earnshaw.

Earnshaw said counts have risen for the past three years, rising to a high of 90,625 in 2012 as opposed to 18,587 in 2009. This leaves him with a feeling of hope and enthusiasm.

The coalition has advocated for a wide number of issues for the blue back herring, even an attempt to place them on the endangered species list. Although denied federal protection, the annual direct fish count helps monitor the species.

Earnshaw says it is never too late to volunteer. Training sessions will be held Thursday, March 26, anytime between 5-6 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, anytime between 10-11 a.m. The training will be held at the Fish Count location.  Park in the Knights of Columbus parking lot, 475 Sandy Lane, near the northwest corner of the lot (near the memorial to Steve Insana). 

Proceed towards the brook if nobody is present at the parking area because training may be taking place. The training is done by Phil Edwards from the RI Department of Environmental Management.

To apply, contact Jennifer Brooks, jennifer.brooks@dem.ri.gov), or Bill Aldrich at wpAldrich@cox.net, or 785-1596. Simply provide your name, phone, email ID and days of the week you are available.

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  • Justanidiot

    Down in the meadow in a little bitty pool

    Swam three little fishies and a mama fishie too

    "Swim" said the mama fishie, "Swim if you can"

    And they swam and they swam all over the dam

    Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/kay-kyser/three-little-fishies-lyrics/#WxEWBx4OWYdT87OZ.99

    Friday, March 20, 2015 Report this