river herring facts

Learn more about the decline of

river herring and the steps toward solutions from the Herring Alliance.

Honest bycatch

Find out more about the problems with herring trawlers.

GET INVOLVED

Contact Hook Policy Analyst Ben Martens to find out how you can be a part of this campaign.

ABOUT OUR WORK

The immense volume of sea herring being netted by midwater trawlers is putting the entire marine ecosystem at risk by depleting a cornerstone of the food web. The scale of this fishery has also led to immense bycatch events where tens of thousands of pounds of groundfish are caught and then wasted. Similarly, river herring are at risk of being depleted as they are scooped up by trawler nets during their time at sea.

Comprehensive monitoring programs, science-based catch limits that consider the keystone role of herring in the ecosystem and nearshore restrictions on herring trawling are crucial to reforming the industry and protecting critical spawning areas.

What We’re Doing:

Working through the New England Fishery Management Council to develop comprehensive monitoring measures for the herring fishery, including:

Altering fishing methods and regulations to help reduce “bycatch,” or the amount of groundfish and marine mammals and that are picked up by midwater trawlers.
Installing a higher level of monitoring at sea to make sure fishermen are complying with these regulations.

Educating the public about the importance of this fishery and the need for reform through traditional media avenues, social media outlets and events.

Reaching out to town herring wardens and other concerned citizens to enlist help in protecting river herring, an invaluable part of Cape Cod’s history.

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Operating Grant Support

Find out more information about herring:

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