Saugus River Fish Monitoring
Now in its third year, the Saugus River fish monitoring program has again set its nets to assess rainbow smelt populations in the watershed. The Division of Marine Fisheries , the Saugus River Watershed Council, and the National Park Service are working together to manage the rainbow smelt monitoring program which runs from March through May 2008.

Based upon our research from this year's program and the past two years, the Saugus River provides important habitat for a healthy run of rainbow smelt each spring.  According to Division of Marine Fisheries biologist Brad Chase, last year's smelt numbers in the Saugus River outpaced several other locations around the state this year including the Parker River, Ipswich River, Fore River and the Jones River.

Beginning in April, the team is also monitoring the upstream migration activity of juvenile American eel. Volunteers are needed to assist with some of the field work associated with these spring fish monitoring projects. For information, contact the Council at srw@shore.net.

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