Herring Counts

Herring counts are completed in 2010. Join us in 2011!

Count Herring with the NSRWA and Mass Bays!

Help us count herring! To sign up, simply send an e-mail to saraATnsrwa.org and let us know you're interested. You will need a quick training to explain the protocol and then you will be ready to go!

Herring Count datasheet

Counting Schedule

Below (and here as a PDF) is the counting schedule. We are counting at three streams this year: Herring Brook in Pembroke, South River in Marshfield, and Bound Brook in Scituate*. We need 2-3 counts in each of three time blocks (7am-11am, 11am-3pm, and 3pm-7pm) at each stream, seven days a week. If you'd like to volunteer, please let us know which stream, day, and time block you would like (and pick as many as you can manage - the more help we have the better, although even once a week is great!) The schedule is color-coded: green when more counters are needed, blue when one more counter is needed, and red when the block is full.

* If you are interested in counting in Kingston (Jones River) or Plymouth (Town Brook), please contact Alex Mansfield for the Jones River (fishATjonesriver.org) or David Gould for Town Brook (DGouldATtownhall.plymouth.ma.us).

Last schedule update: 5/3/10, 9:35am

1) Let Sara know when you are going to be counting so you can be put on the calendar above.
2) Once at the counting site, time yourself for ten minutes. (If you happen to be there at the same time as another counter, please wait until they are finished, then start your count.) Watch the top of the fish ladder and count fish as they pass. At the end of your ten minutes, roughly estimate the number of fish gathered below the ladder. (Helpful tip: Wearing polarized sunglasses makes it easier to see the fish.) Also estimate the cloud cover to the nearest 10%.
3) Use one line on the datasheet for each time you count. When your datasheet is full, turn it in to the NSRWA (see below.) If you are interested in more detailed information on herring and herring counting,there are some interesting flyers and reports on the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries website.

[Google Map]

Turning in your tally sheet:
You have several options for returning completed tally sheets to NSRWA. You can:
- Send your data sheet in to us at P.O. Box 43, Norwell, MA 02061
- Drop your data sheet at our office at 214 South St., Norwell, MA
- E-mail the results to saraATnsrwa.org
- Fax the sheet to 781-659-7915