Shad Restoration
American shad are one of the most historically important species in the United States but their numbers and the rivers they return to spawn in have both been drastically reduced by centuries of dams and pollution. While recreational fisheries remain in the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, many of the smaller rivers in coastal Massachusetts no longer host spawning runs of shad. Using funds from saltwater permits, DMF has partnered with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to stock shad larvae into the Charles and Taunton Rivers, restoring catch and release fisheries for these iconic fish. Grab your lightweight gear and chase these challenging to catch and strong fighters next spring!
A happy angler with an adult shad on the Taunton River.
A young fish enthusiast aids a United States Fish and Wildlife Service biologist releasing shad larvae in the Charles River.
River Herring Monitoring
Using Marine Recreational Development Fund dollars. Massachusetts has become one of the coastal leaders in restoring and monitoring river herring. Over a dozen high accuracy video or electronic counters have been installed across coastal Massachusetts by DMF and partner organizations. These important data have allowed DMF and others to track the status of river herring in our most important watersheds, supported local and regional restoration efforts, and informed management plans.
Video counter on the Parker River, Newbury. View a video clip from the counter.
Video counter (left) and eel pass (right) At the Upper Mystic Lakes Dam, Medford. View a video clip from the counter.
An electronic counter in the Back River, Weymouth. View a video clip from the counter.
An electronic counter in Herring Brook, Pembroke. View a video clip from the counter.
An electronic counter set up in Alewife Brook, Essex. View a video clip from the counter.
Restoration Projects
The addition of two biologists to the Diadromous Fish Project has greatly enhanced DMF’s ability to pursue restoration projects across coastal Massachusetts. Here are just a few of the meaningful projects completed since 2011.
Parker River Fishway Repairs (Newbury, 2014-2019): The ladders at the Central St. Dam, Snuff Mill Dam, Main St Dam, and River St Dam were all repaired and improved.
Lily Pond Dam Fishway replacement (Gloucester 2022): DMF replaced a failing fishway into Lily Pond with help from local stewards.
Horn Pond Spillway (Woburn, 2017): In partnership with the City of Woburn, DMF staff modified the auxiliary spillway to Horn Pond to restore access to this large spawning area that feeds into the Mystic River.
Howlett Brook, Ipswich (2023): DMF worked with the Ipswich River Watershed Association and landowners to replace a failed fishway to restore passage to Howlett Brook and Hood Pond, an important tributary of the Ipswich River.
Larkin Dam Removal, Ipswich[BG4.1] (2025): DMF worked with the Town of Newbury, Division of Ecological Restoration, NOAA Restoration Center, and Ipswich River Watershed Association to remove this failing dam on the Parker River.