Shimmying Shad and Splashing Sturgeon: Event Recap & Recording
Earlier this month, Cathance River Education Alliance and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust hosted presentation for John Lichter and Renske Kerkhofs to discuss the recovery efforts on the rivers of Merrymeeting Bay. The event was well attended and the recording can be viewed here. Renske shares:
“Though it is always a good time to talk about shad, with the upcoming relicensing of the Brunswick-Topsham hydroelectric dam in 2029, now is a better time than ever! This talk was a great way to raise awareness about the inefficacy of the Brunswick-Topsham fish ladder and the negative impact this has on American shad populations. Many of you attended and had great questions.”
She continued by sharing that the main takeaway is that research using sonar technology has shown that the fish ladder at the Brunswick-Topsham hydroelectric dam is not adequate in allowing shad to pass and go to their upstream spawning grounds. With the relicensing of the dam in 2029, we have an opportunity to make changes.
“Of course, there is much more to do to help our river ecosystems than just the Brunswick-Topsham dam. If you are interested in shad or overall river ecosystem health, try to learn more about dams in your area and what your personal observations while walking, kayaking, or boating might indicate about river health!” Renske says.
In Spring of 2023 join CREA, BTLT and Charlie Spies for part two of this series for a presentation on the dam relicensing process, and learn about how you can get involved in dam relicensing in our area.
