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November 30, 2007

Symposium to address 'valuable menhaden fishery'

Wildlife in Providence, it’s not an everyday sight.

But last month, thousands of fish found their way into the Providence River, slowly swimming in front of the Rhode Island School of Design and some making their way to Waterplace Park.

The surge of fish, adult menhaden, was unexpected. But their appearance came as recreational and commercial fishermen have been at odds over who is catching them and if they are being over fished.

To address some of the issues surrounding the allocation of menhaden, the Rhode Island Sea Grant and the state Department of Environmental Management are hosting a daylong “Menhaden Science and Policy Symposium” today.

Biology, feeding practices, stock assessment and other scientific information about the fish are on the agenda of the symposium, which will include panels hosted by state legislators, commercial and recreational fisheries, Save the Bay and other stakeholders.

The event starts at 8 a.m. at the Village Inn on Beach Street in Narragansett.

“Menhaden are an important contributor to the health of Narragansett Bay and the ecosystem, as well as the economy,” DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan said in a statement.

“This symposium presents a forum for scientists, policy makers and stakeholders to discuss a wide range of issues and share information concerning this valuable fishery.”

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with Journal archive reports

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 8:15 AM | Permalink

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