HORN POND HERRING MONITORING
The official 2024 season begins on Sunday, April 14th and ends on Saturday, June 22nd. Scroll to week of April 14th for updated 2024 calendar.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
trAINING PRESENTATION
You can find all the information about the 2024 season in the Horn Pond training video or in the training powerpoint.
SUBSTITUTES
If you cannot make your assigned counting slot or would like to claim an open slot, please email “subs@mysticriver.org” with as much notice as possible. Include the date, time and location in the subject line.
Example:
Subject: Need coverage Monday, April 12th 7AM Horn Pond.
WHAT aBOUT ALL THE HERRING NOT MAKING IT TO HORN POND?
We contacted the Division of Marine Fisheries about this question, and they said they want to limit efforts to transfer fish to the ones that DMF staff will make themselves this season. They visit regularly, and as part of their work move fish they see into Horn Pond. The way I think of this is that the fish are trying to spread out as much as they can in their freshwater habitat, to give their offspring the best chance of hatching in less crowded environments, with more food resources available. So some keep seeking upstream habitat. But there will always be an end point to how far they can spread out. The fish that reach the Horn Pond dam will mostly turn around and utilize downstream habitat. When they CAN access Horn Pond after the fishway is built, there will be lots of habitat for spawning and development, and scientists expect the population loyal to the Mystic River to increase. Again record this information on your data sheet.
SUPPLIES
Clickers will be in a supply bin next to the top of the spillway. You are welcome to take a clicker to use for the whole season or just borrow one from the bin each shift. Monitors may bring their own polarized sunglasses and timer, or borrow from the shared materials stored at the site. It is recommended to bring a smart phone so you can fill out the online data sheet right after your count (a QR code will be on site for you to scan to access the data sheet).
DATA SHEET
Submit your results using this electronic data sheet.
monitoring with a partner (adult or youth)
Are you monitoring with a partner? Are you a parent or guardian monitoring with a minor (17 years or under)? Complete a MyRWA waiver for each minor participating.
COUNTING LOCATION
Stand at the top of the spillway adjacent to Scalley Dam on Lake Avenue. Look for herring that are traveling up the spillway into Horn Pond.
Health and safety reminders
Please use caution on the shoreline. The area is rocky and slippery when wet. We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes.
In case of emergency call 911
If you see debris in the spillway, please email daria.clark@mysticriver.org. Do not attempt to retrieve the debris.
