APCC has coordinated river herring monitoring across Cape Cod since 2007, working with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, towns, and local organizations. Trained volunteers count fish passing through ladders and weirs, providing important information on run size and long-term population trends.

“Cape Cod’s herring runs are an important part of the region’s ecology, culture, and history, and long-term monitoring gives us a clearer picture of how these populations and their habitats are changing,” said Mr. Palmer. “Working with local partners and communities, we can use that information to guide restoration, improve fish passage, protect spawning habitat, and help sustain these remarkable migrations for generations to come.”