www.wellsreserve.org/news/2004-04-26_alewife.htm

MAINE RIVERS' SCHALIT TALKS ON ALEWIVES

WELLS, MAINE -- The Maine Rivers alewife education program is coming to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, 342 Laudholm Farm Road in Wells, on Tuesday, May 4 at 7 pm. The program is free, but reservations are required. Please call (207) 646-1555.

Alewives, silvery relatives of herring and shad, once thrived in virtually every river and stream along the coast of Maine, but their populations have plummeted during the last two centuries. These migratory fish, which used to cram into streams from bank to bank on springtime spawning runs, became victims of polluted water, dammed rivers, and overharvesting.

Maine Rivers executive director Naomi Schalit will detail the biology of alewives, their role in Maine rivers and the Gulf of Maine, their precipitous decline, and the potential for their restoration.

The presentation includes vintage photographs from the well-known Damariscotta Mills alewife run, as well as contemporary underwater photographs from National Geographic photographer Bill Curtsinger.

The half hour presentation will be followed by questions and discussion. Please bring a mug for complimentary coffee or tea.

The Wells Reserve, with facilities at historic Laudholm Farm, is committed to investigating coastal environments and increasing understanding of their ecology.

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