CHARLES RIVER HERRING COUNT
Help us monitor migratory fish passage!
The herring count season has ended. Check back in the spring for more info!
Thank you to all of the volunteers who came together in 2026 to help count over 41,000 herring, with an estimated total migration size of over 300,00 herring!
You’re herring that right–we need you to count migratory fish!
EACH SPRING, THOUSANDS OF MIGRATORY FISH RETURN TO THE CHARLES RIVER TO SPAWN FROM THE OCEAN. BUT, MANY ARE STOPPED SHORT OF DEFUNCT DAMS.
We need YOU to help us collect data on how many fish are able to use the ladder at Watertown Dam! By counting fish, you will play a critical role in our understanding how dams affect American Shad, Blueback Herring, Alewives, Rainbow Smelt, White Perch, Striped Bass, and American Eel.
Before your first monitoring shift, check out our virtual training.
Thank you for signing up to volunteer!
Read the full volunteer instructions, sign up for a shift to count fish using the “Become a Volunteer” button above, and use the data sheet to record your observations!
Questions? Contact Ryan Smith, rsmith@crwa.org.