May 1
An informative video to start the month and continue the conversation, featuring Division of Marine Fisheries Biologist Brad Chase on the importance of herring on Cape Cod. Link here.
Today, down at the passage, hundreds of herring milling about, waiting to get into the pond, which is still out of reach due to the 200 feet or so of sandy shallows. Ran into a neighbor with her walking club who mentioned warden Doug Erickson, NR's Ryan Burch, and a "police officer" were down here on Monday, previous to their house call on Wednesday. We are putting the visit to my home behind us after a grueling day yesterday and an apology received by the Town, although the stories told were rather inconsistent. Fortunately, the social media posts, done for transparency, which led to comments which were most often positive, a few negative, some simply confused, and one series of vitriolic personal slanders, have been taken down, at both our requests. More education and public awareness is necessary moving forward through these challenging times as we all seek common ground peacefully for the sake of the herring. As I have said, it is a complicated story at the same time that it is a simple one.
On the near shore tonight, two signs: the pond gauge reads an unfortunate 2.5" when 5" are needed, yet, on the far shore, two cloud-white Egrets fishing are a more hopeful sight.* And it comes to me that after two years and two months on this site I've said everything that can possibly be said to help the alewives of Slough Pond... really, what more can I say? Maybe it's time to return my eyes to the beauty which was the original intention of this website.
An informative video to start the month and continue the conversation, featuring Division of Marine Fisheries Biologist Brad Chase on the importance of herring on Cape Cod. Link here.
Today, down at the passage, hundreds of herring milling about, waiting to get into the pond, which is still out of reach due to the 200 feet or so of sandy shallows. Ran into a neighbor with her walking club who mentioned warden Doug Erickson, NR's Ryan Burch, and a "police officer" were down here on Monday, previous to their house call on Wednesday. We are putting the visit to my home behind us after a grueling day yesterday and an apology received by the Town, although the stories told were rather inconsistent. Fortunately, the social media posts, done for transparency, which led to comments which were most often positive, a few negative, some simply confused, and one series of vitriolic personal slanders, have been taken down, at both our requests. More education and public awareness is necessary moving forward through these challenging times as we all seek common ground peacefully for the sake of the herring. As I have said, it is a complicated story at the same time that it is a simple one.
On the near shore tonight, two signs: the pond gauge reads an unfortunate 2.5" when 5" are needed, yet, on the far shore, two cloud-white Egrets fishing are a more hopeful sight.* And it comes to me that after two years and two months on this site I've said everything that can possibly be said to help the alewives of Slough Pond... really, what more can I say? Maybe it's time to return my eyes to the beauty which was the original intention of this website.
*Oh, and here is a third sign, as of May 2nd, all the fish are gone, apparently tired of waiting.
May 4
No fish, day three.
For further context to the Slough Pond question, as other towns face similar challenges, here is a cooperative example as shared with me two years ago by DMF Biologist Brad Chase. Below see photos of "side casting" sand accumulation (beyond a weir) along a herring run in a wetland at Seymour Pond in Harwich, a biannual management practice. This site, which was originally established in the 1850's (though lost to history, the Slough Pond passage may have been established during this same period through a cranberry grower's lease), is successfully managed under a partnership with the DMF, the Town of Harwich, and the landowner. The management plan is attached here, also found under Resources page. Brewster's "Stream Maintenance Plan" with the DMF can also be read under Resources/ Brewster. It expires in 2026.
A public vote to maintain the Slough Pond fish passage this year was cast unanimously by the Alewife Committee and the Conservation Commission on April 8th for Option 3.
Option 3 - Maintain Upstream & Downstream Passage with Sandbags, Debris Removal AND Sediment Removal, & Monitoring of Water Depth
Migration of Adult River Herring – Upstream & Downstream
Use installation of sandbags at the Slough Pond end of the channel, and positioning and repositioning
of those sandbags throughout March, April and May to maintain sufficient water depth in the entire
channel to allow upstream migrating adult river herring to enter Slough Pond to deposit eggs, and then
to migrate back downstream into Walkers Pond to continue their journey back out to saltwater. For
upstream passage of adults, any leaves, sticks, or trash can be removed from the two ends of the
channel and the channel itself if the material will prevent passage. For downstream passage of
adults, in addition to leaves, sticks, and trash removal, a plan for the minor removal of sediment
can be made in coordination with the Town of Brewster Natural Resources Department staff, Town of
Brewster Conservation Department staff, and the Brewster Herring Wardens. This physical work will
only be done by Town staff, including the Herring Wardens.
Migration of Juvenile Herring June-December 2025
Use positioning and repositioning of sandbags at the Slough Pond end of the channel to maintain
sufficient water depth in the entire channel to allow juvenile river herring of any size to migrate
downstream into Walkers Pond and head to saltwater.
To allow for downstream passage of juvenile river herring, visually monitor the Slough Pond end of the
channel.
If juvenile river herring of any size are present, and sufficient water depth is available, position
sandbags to allow flow of water downstream until all juveniles seen present at that location have
moved into the channel and into Walkers Pond.
If water depth in the channel is not sufficient to allow downstream passage to Walkers Pond, the
Brewster Herring Wardens will coordinate with the Town of Brewster Natural Resources
Department staff, and Town of Brewster Conservation Department staff to make a plan for minor
removal of sediment to allow downstream passage of juveniles.
This work will only be done by Town staff, including the Herring Wardens.
A decision was made after that meeting, however, not shared during the public discussion and vote, to not "side cast" the sand accumulation in the passage onto the banks, typical biannual maintenance, as it might affect wetland flora. This has prevented the herring from migrating the final 200 feet through to the Slough Pond entrance in time. And time is of the essence. The committees worked diligently to get to this vote and this decision, after the fact, has undermined not only their public commitment but the migration itself. It may be considered good practice by some but not by all. From what I understand there will be more "monitoring" of the passage but for now there is little to see. It should be noted here that I do fully support wetland protection and I fully support the protection of the herring migration, simultaneously.
This is a complicated story and a simple story at the same time. I do want to turn my attention to the beauty and wonder of this incredible pond and the biodiversity it supports, in a spirit of goodwill, but sometimes it can't be without answering questions from others who have not been on the ground for these many years.
No fish, day three.
For further context to the Slough Pond question, as other towns face similar challenges, here is a cooperative example as shared with me two years ago by DMF Biologist Brad Chase. Below see photos of "side casting" sand accumulation (beyond a weir) along a herring run in a wetland at Seymour Pond in Harwich, a biannual management practice. This site, which was originally established in the 1850's (though lost to history, the Slough Pond passage may have been established during this same period through a cranberry grower's lease), is successfully managed under a partnership with the DMF, the Town of Harwich, and the landowner. The management plan is attached here, also found under Resources page. Brewster's "Stream Maintenance Plan" with the DMF can also be read under Resources/ Brewster. It expires in 2026.
A public vote to maintain the Slough Pond fish passage this year was cast unanimously by the Alewife Committee and the Conservation Commission on April 8th for Option 3.
Option 3 - Maintain Upstream & Downstream Passage with Sandbags, Debris Removal AND Sediment Removal, & Monitoring of Water Depth
Migration of Adult River Herring – Upstream & Downstream
Use installation of sandbags at the Slough Pond end of the channel, and positioning and repositioning
of those sandbags throughout March, April and May to maintain sufficient water depth in the entire
channel to allow upstream migrating adult river herring to enter Slough Pond to deposit eggs, and then
to migrate back downstream into Walkers Pond to continue their journey back out to saltwater. For
upstream passage of adults, any leaves, sticks, or trash can be removed from the two ends of the
channel and the channel itself if the material will prevent passage. For downstream passage of
adults, in addition to leaves, sticks, and trash removal, a plan for the minor removal of sediment
can be made in coordination with the Town of Brewster Natural Resources Department staff, Town of
Brewster Conservation Department staff, and the Brewster Herring Wardens. This physical work will
only be done by Town staff, including the Herring Wardens.
Migration of Juvenile Herring June-December 2025
Use positioning and repositioning of sandbags at the Slough Pond end of the channel to maintain
sufficient water depth in the entire channel to allow juvenile river herring of any size to migrate
downstream into Walkers Pond and head to saltwater.
To allow for downstream passage of juvenile river herring, visually monitor the Slough Pond end of the
channel.
If juvenile river herring of any size are present, and sufficient water depth is available, position
sandbags to allow flow of water downstream until all juveniles seen present at that location have
moved into the channel and into Walkers Pond.
If water depth in the channel is not sufficient to allow downstream passage to Walkers Pond, the
Brewster Herring Wardens will coordinate with the Town of Brewster Natural Resources
Department staff, and Town of Brewster Conservation Department staff to make a plan for minor
removal of sediment to allow downstream passage of juveniles.
This work will only be done by Town staff, including the Herring Wardens.
A decision was made after that meeting, however, not shared during the public discussion and vote, to not "side cast" the sand accumulation in the passage onto the banks, typical biannual maintenance, as it might affect wetland flora. This has prevented the herring from migrating the final 200 feet through to the Slough Pond entrance in time. And time is of the essence. The committees worked diligently to get to this vote and this decision, after the fact, has undermined not only their public commitment but the migration itself. It may be considered good practice by some but not by all. From what I understand there will be more "monitoring" of the passage but for now there is little to see. It should be noted here that I do fully support wetland protection and I fully support the protection of the herring migration, simultaneously.
This is a complicated story and a simple story at the same time. I do want to turn my attention to the beauty and wonder of this incredible pond and the biodiversity it supports, in a spirit of goodwill, but sometimes it can't be without answering questions from others who have not been on the ground for these many years.
May 7
Late last evening and early this morning I was certain I heard the sound of herring spawning along the shore by our home. This surprised me. A further surprise awaited me down at the passage. The tide had turned.
The fish are back and this time they can get through to their natal pond. They are remarkable fish. And I admire the creative solution now in place, solving the impediment of side casting which had become an obstacle. What the Natural Resources Department has done, undoubtably with the guidance of the DMF, was to strategically place sandbags along the problematic section of the passage where sand accumulates, thereby creating a channel to guide the fish- passable enough even with low water on the pond- for the herring to migrate all the way into Slough Pond; there the sandbags were opened. It is truly amazing how well it works. Signs have been placed in two locations requesting that no one interfere with the sandbag/water management plan.
It was wonderful to see the alewives swimming by today, especially after their struggle and disappearance last week. I am grateful to see the commitment to resolving this issue and turning it around in time. It was a lot of work. The deteriorated sand bag barrier along the dirt road, controlling storm water runoff from entering the stream by the culvert, was also re-fortified. And if there had been concern expressed about flora in the wetland being covered with side cast sand, impeding its regrowth, the signs of renewal were everywhere to be seen- Mayflowers, Star Flowers, grass and moss, even Poison Ivy among the unfurling ferns and the tracks of deer along the sandy path.
Late last evening and early this morning I was certain I heard the sound of herring spawning along the shore by our home. This surprised me. A further surprise awaited me down at the passage. The tide had turned.
The fish are back and this time they can get through to their natal pond. They are remarkable fish. And I admire the creative solution now in place, solving the impediment of side casting which had become an obstacle. What the Natural Resources Department has done, undoubtably with the guidance of the DMF, was to strategically place sandbags along the problematic section of the passage where sand accumulates, thereby creating a channel to guide the fish- passable enough even with low water on the pond- for the herring to migrate all the way into Slough Pond; there the sandbags were opened. It is truly amazing how well it works. Signs have been placed in two locations requesting that no one interfere with the sandbag/water management plan.
It was wonderful to see the alewives swimming by today, especially after their struggle and disappearance last week. I am grateful to see the commitment to resolving this issue and turning it around in time. It was a lot of work. The deteriorated sand bag barrier along the dirt road, controlling storm water runoff from entering the stream by the culvert, was also re-fortified. And if there had been concern expressed about flora in the wetland being covered with side cast sand, impeding its regrowth, the signs of renewal were everywhere to be seen- Mayflowers, Star Flowers, grass and moss, even Poison Ivy among the unfurling ferns and the tracks of deer along the sandy path.
May 10
Morning, afternoon, and evening. The Natural Resources Department, along with the Alewife Committee and Division of Marine Fisheries, are keeping a good eye on the sand bag project at the Slough passage to aid the herring migration. This morning, after one good inch of rain yesterday, we were told that the alewives had returned and many successfully made it all the way into Slough Pond. By the afternoon, however, when we visited, the water level had dropped in the shallow, sandy areas, making them impassable, even with the sandbags, and the few herring circling by the culvert soon departed back to Walker's Pond. Nevertheless, I have counted three successful passages thus far.
Notably, earlier this week, on May 8, the total counted at the fish ladder had risen significantly to 152,597 herring, reaching 181,395 by the 10th. And here on Slough Pond the data gathering crew from the APCC collected their May readings for their pond monitoring program.
Morning, afternoon, and evening. The Natural Resources Department, along with the Alewife Committee and Division of Marine Fisheries, are keeping a good eye on the sand bag project at the Slough passage to aid the herring migration. This morning, after one good inch of rain yesterday, we were told that the alewives had returned and many successfully made it all the way into Slough Pond. By the afternoon, however, when we visited, the water level had dropped in the shallow, sandy areas, making them impassable, even with the sandbags, and the few herring circling by the culvert soon departed back to Walker's Pond. Nevertheless, I have counted three successful passages thus far.
Notably, earlier this week, on May 8, the total counted at the fish ladder had risen significantly to 152,597 herring, reaching 181,395 by the 10th. And here on Slough Pond the data gathering crew from the APCC collected their May readings for their pond monitoring program.
May 12
Surprisingly large number of migrating herring in the passage this morning. The water level was deep enough for them except for the last section of about 100 feet. There are no sandbags placed along this last section- the problematic sandy area- but they are in place from the curve up to this area; the sandbag weir is open. The fish appear to be spawning a bit in the lower passage, in the pool by the culvert, and at the entrance from Walkers. (See videos below.) The pond level at the gauge is now hovering below 2." The NRD is making frequent visits to the stream and gauge, we have heard three times daily, so I am sure they are watching this carefully. If the fish make it all the way to Slough this will count as their fourth in-migration. Remembering that last year they continued arriving and migrating almost into June. (See APCC chart below). We understand that the NRD will be aligning their efforts on water management with the objectives of the Mosquito Control Project in the coming weeks.
Surprisingly large number of migrating herring in the passage this morning. The water level was deep enough for them except for the last section of about 100 feet. There are no sandbags placed along this last section- the problematic sandy area- but they are in place from the curve up to this area; the sandbag weir is open. The fish appear to be spawning a bit in the lower passage, in the pool by the culvert, and at the entrance from Walkers. (See videos below.) The pond level at the gauge is now hovering below 2." The NRD is making frequent visits to the stream and gauge, we have heard three times daily, so I am sure they are watching this carefully. If the fish make it all the way to Slough this will count as their fourth in-migration. Remembering that last year they continued arriving and migrating almost into June. (See APCC chart below). We understand that the NRD will be aligning their efforts on water management with the objectives of the Mosquito Control Project in the coming weeks.
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And while we are counting...9 ducklings yesterday, 8 ducklings today.
May 16
The passage has been blocked in the most shallow area to prevent any migrating adults from floundering in the sand. There were no fish in the stream today although some were spawning along the Walker's shore by the entrance to the passage. Unfortunately, with the standing water and warmer temperatures, hordes of mosquitoes were present. Tree pollen is gathering in the waters. Our Mallard mom has lost another duckling, no doubt to the resident Snapping Turtles. And in the evenings now, as the season deepens, the chorus of spring peepers is being out sung by the screeching Fowler's Toad. Our terriers, ever alert to pond life, notified us that a small, gray, downy gosling, lost at dusk, was settling in by our shore (reunited in the morning).
The passage has been blocked in the most shallow area to prevent any migrating adults from floundering in the sand. There were no fish in the stream today although some were spawning along the Walker's shore by the entrance to the passage. Unfortunately, with the standing water and warmer temperatures, hordes of mosquitoes were present. Tree pollen is gathering in the waters. Our Mallard mom has lost another duckling, no doubt to the resident Snapping Turtles. And in the evenings now, as the season deepens, the chorus of spring peepers is being out sung by the screeching Fowler's Toad. Our terriers, ever alert to pond life, notified us that a small, gray, downy gosling, lost at dusk, was settling in by our shore (reunited in the morning).
May 18
Possibly the first alewife fry spotted this morning. This would align with our dates for this year's migration: the first adults arrived in the pond on April 25 with the first juveniles observed about 24 days later. It takes 6 days for eggs to hatch at water temperatures of 60° and 2-3 days at 70°. The water temperature today was approximately 67°. The larval stage lasts for 2-3 weeks with juveniles reaching .78" at first.
In 2024 the first adults arrived on April 24th and the first fry were observed on May 22.
Possibly the first alewife fry spotted this morning. This would align with our dates for this year's migration: the first adults arrived in the pond on April 25 with the first juveniles observed about 24 days later. It takes 6 days for eggs to hatch at water temperatures of 60° and 2-3 days at 70°. The water temperature today was approximately 67°. The larval stage lasts for 2-3 weeks with juveniles reaching .78" at first.
In 2024 the first adults arrived on April 24th and the first fry were observed on May 22.
May 22
Since the sandbags were re-positioned to block the passage on the 16th, they were re-opened on the 19th to correct the standing water issue breeding mosquitoes, and then re-positioned to block the passage on the 20th, in anticipation of rain increasing the water levels.
The counter was removed at the fish ladder on the 21st, a week earlier than last year when it was removed early due to crowding of incoming and outgoing adults being hurt. The final count posted for the year was 201,899. The count in '24 was 154,231; in '23, 266,630; in '22, 108,737.
The manual count of herring migration into Cape waters under the APCC does not conclude until June 15.
Work will resume at the fish ladder next week but only at the holding pool which provides water for the grist mill in anticipation of grinding corn for the tourist season. Work on the ladder itself will not resume, under best practices, until mid-November, hopefully with protection for the outgoing juveniles.
Since the sandbags were re-positioned to block the passage on the 16th, they were re-opened on the 19th to correct the standing water issue breeding mosquitoes, and then re-positioned to block the passage on the 20th, in anticipation of rain increasing the water levels.
The counter was removed at the fish ladder on the 21st, a week earlier than last year when it was removed early due to crowding of incoming and outgoing adults being hurt. The final count posted for the year was 201,899. The count in '24 was 154,231; in '23, 266,630; in '22, 108,737.
The manual count of herring migration into Cape waters under the APCC does not conclude until June 15.
Work will resume at the fish ladder next week but only at the holding pool which provides water for the grist mill in anticipation of grinding corn for the tourist season. Work on the ladder itself will not resume, under best practices, until mid-November, hopefully with protection for the outgoing juveniles.
May 23- 26
For the holiday weekend, a recap. We received 3" of rain on the 22nd. The sandbag weirs, closed in two places- at the pond and along the passage- were re-opened on the 24th. A good water flow and water level has been maintained in the passage through the weekend. But there have been no fish, coming or going.
We fear that this year's migration into Slough Pond is over, earlier than last year when we had a strong and prolonged migration due to the hard work clearing the passage the fall before by AmeriCorps and in the spring by a warden. We had hoped for another good year, if not even a better one, due to the accomplished clearing and digging by Mosquito Control last fall; however- due to the upset that caused the NRD and the CC- no management plan was enacted at Slough until May 6th, 10 days after the herring had arrived in the passage when a plan really should have been in effect and finished 10 days prior to their arrival.
Looking back, on April 30th the closed sandbag weir was opened slightly but the water was not deep enough in the problematic area just ahead of the pond due to no digging of accumulated sand being allowed. Fish died and then others decided, no doubt, not to risk it. On May 6th the staggered sandbags were arranged in the passage and the sandbags were monitored for opening and closing according to rainfall. A commendable exercise. Water levels are key. May 7 saw some migrants get through and I heard tell some passed through on the 8th but then nothing after that. So it has been a very abbreviated migration. With all the hard work put in by the NRD after May 6, it occurs to me that earlier digging out of the passage would probably have accomplished much more in the way of a successful migratory season with much less effort and no real impact on the wetland. I guess we can say it was too much too late...
For the holiday weekend, a recap. We received 3" of rain on the 22nd. The sandbag weirs, closed in two places- at the pond and along the passage- were re-opened on the 24th. A good water flow and water level has been maintained in the passage through the weekend. But there have been no fish, coming or going.
We fear that this year's migration into Slough Pond is over, earlier than last year when we had a strong and prolonged migration due to the hard work clearing the passage the fall before by AmeriCorps and in the spring by a warden. We had hoped for another good year, if not even a better one, due to the accomplished clearing and digging by Mosquito Control last fall; however- due to the upset that caused the NRD and the CC- no management plan was enacted at Slough until May 6th, 10 days after the herring had arrived in the passage when a plan really should have been in effect and finished 10 days prior to their arrival.
Looking back, on April 30th the closed sandbag weir was opened slightly but the water was not deep enough in the problematic area just ahead of the pond due to no digging of accumulated sand being allowed. Fish died and then others decided, no doubt, not to risk it. On May 6th the staggered sandbags were arranged in the passage and the sandbags were monitored for opening and closing according to rainfall. A commendable exercise. Water levels are key. May 7 saw some migrants get through and I heard tell some passed through on the 8th but then nothing after that. So it has been a very abbreviated migration. With all the hard work put in by the NRD after May 6, it occurs to me that earlier digging out of the passage would probably have accomplished much more in the way of a successful migratory season with much less effort and no real impact on the wetland. I guess we can say it was too much too late...
May 27
As they say, what a difference a day makes. We were grateful that we were alerted by the NRD to the presence of herring in the passage today. I certainly spoke too soon when I gave up on them over the weekend. Those intrepid alewives are always surprise and always wonderful to see. Some were close to making it all the way to Slough, some were spawning in the passage, but most remained by the culvert and just beyond it, traveling up and down in the stream. Some seemed to have small schools of juveniles, about 2" long, mingling among them (seen in the close-ups below) and there were fast moving schools of what appeared to be guppies taking advantage of the open sandbags. The strategically placed bags are doing an admirable job of creating small pools of displaced sand that forge deeper wells of moving water for the fish to navigate through. The adults were on their way in by the looks of it not on their way out but the water level will not support their activity much longer, still there is rain in the forecast again.
As they say, what a difference a day makes. We were grateful that we were alerted by the NRD to the presence of herring in the passage today. I certainly spoke too soon when I gave up on them over the weekend. Those intrepid alewives are always surprise and always wonderful to see. Some were close to making it all the way to Slough, some were spawning in the passage, but most remained by the culvert and just beyond it, traveling up and down in the stream. Some seemed to have small schools of juveniles, about 2" long, mingling among them (seen in the close-ups below) and there were fast moving schools of what appeared to be guppies taking advantage of the open sandbags. The strategically placed bags are doing an admirable job of creating small pools of displaced sand that forge deeper wells of moving water for the fish to navigate through. The adults were on their way in by the looks of it not on their way out but the water level will not support their activity much longer, still there is rain in the forecast again.
