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September 18, 2007

Menhaden near Slater Dam are not now at risk

The state’s Department of Environmental Management is still keeping an eye out on the large number of menhaden spotted near the Blackstone River on August 30, but for now there isn’t much reason to fear a fish kill.

April Valliere, the principal marine biologist at the Department’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, said when the fish were reported up stream, near Slater Dam, there hadn’t been much rain. But since then, we’ve had at least one good rain.

Menhaden, which thrive in salt water, had been chased up the river nearly to the Slater Dam by bluefish, which can tolerate fresh water. The millions of fish were struggling with low water and low oxygen levels.

“Once we got all that rain it was great,” Valliere said, because the water carried the fish back to the lower bay.

Adult menhaden are typically in Narragansett Bay from May through September, but juveniles remain throughout the year.

Valliere said DEM will continue to monitor the fish’s situation.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 10:45 AM | Permalink

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