Our herring runs on the coast of Maine consist of two species the blueback herring and the alewife. Both species return to spawn in any ponds that are connected to the ocean. The first and I think most dramatic run is the alewives. We normally go to see them return to Damariscotta Mills on Mother’s Day. This year though the fish did not make it that day; only our second miss since the boys were born.
Those of you that fish are no doubt using some soft plastic baits. They are effective for bass and I have used plastic tails when fishing for perch, bass and stripers over the years. Recent research done by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (press release here) indicates that there is a problem with these baits when they are lost or discarded.
This merger proposal was part of the Governors Budget last year. Keep in mind that the budgets of all the natural resources agencies combined amount to 2.75% of the state budget. Clearly we are tinkering at the margins!
