One fish, Two fish… Here are the details on how to count fish!

Town River Fish Count - Spring 2006

The fish ladder is located at War Memorial Park on River Street in West Bridgewater. River Street can be accessed at the intersection of Route 106 and 28. The easiest way to find it is to turn right onto Howard Street (going East, or turning left going West) and then turning left onto River.

When you drive into the park, you will see a closed bridge. The fish ladder is just above that bridge, and the data sheets are attached to a white wooden electrical board right next to the bridge. Bring a pen or pencil and take a data sheet to the top of the fish ladder.

When you are facing the ladder, there is a thermometer hidden behind you in the corner of the ladder in a white plastic tube. Pull it out and check the temperature.

Leave out the thermometer while you count to get the air temperature. Replace the thermometer when you are done.

Stand or sit at the top of the ladder and check your watch. Write down your start time. Count the number of fish you see go over the board at the top of the ladder (don’t count the ones hanging out below or in the ladder, until they go over the top).

Count for 5 or 10 minutes and write down the number. Then do another 5 or 10 minutes. Write down this number. (Its likely you might not see any).

If you live nearby, it would be great if you can go on a regular schedule, same time once a day. Otherwise, just go when you can. We get the best count when we have three or more counts per day, at different times of day.

The data: You can either-

1. Keep the sheet until you fill it up, email me the data or leave it in the folder
2. Take a data sheet, fill out what you did that day and leave it in the folder to be picked up.

This is our first time trying this in the Taunton watershed, and I would like to continue doing it to monitor the run over future years. If we are successful, we can try it in other parts of the watershed as well. Thanks for your help! I have gotten a lot of good support and feedback so far.

Submitted by Rachel Calabro, MA Riverways

Thank YOU Rachel, for all your work to help the fish in our rivers!