From Fisherman’s Voice
Alewives are small schooling fish that live in salt water, but return to fresh water to spawn. In Maine, they populate the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean, supporting our cod and haddock populations as a food source. The problem is, the number of these small fish has declined in the last twenty years, affecting our ground fishing population as well.
New regulations are being considered in the Maine legislature that would allow alewives back into their spawning grounds of Maine rivers. Currently, these fish are blocked from entering dammed rivers in Northern Maine, such as the St. Croix River. While many groups support the proposed legislation, others are concerned about the alewives’ effect on the smallmouth bass population in rivers.
The balance between outdoor recreation and environmental regulation is an ongoing issue in a state as rich in natural resources as Maine. Whatever the outcome, we hope the ground fishing industry in Maine can remain sustainable, so many can continue to enjoy local seafood.