Tributary Fish Study 2010-2011
Work began in the summer of 2010 to identify and get an estimated count of all fish species living in the tributaries of the Lamprey. Researchers use a quick jolt of electricity in the water to stun fish temporarily so they can be gathered, identified, counted, and measured. Once the data have been gathered and recorded, the fish are released back to the streams.
Large and small tributaries are important breeding areas for many fish and also serve as refuges. Scientists are particularly interested in learning to what extent brook trout might be breeding in the river’s tributaries. Most brook trout found in the river are stocked by NH Fish and Game. So far, six streams that contain wild brook trout have been identified. This can be viewed as a very positive sign of good river health. The researchers are also interested in seeing if several “species of concern” are living in the Lamprey: banded sunfish, red fin pickerel, bridled shiner, and swamp darter. All four have been found in the upper reaches of the river. Four species of anadromous fish (sea lamprey, American eel, alewife, and shad) are also of interest to see if they are getting past the McCallen and Wiswall Dams.
At the end of 2010, 77 of 150 sites had been sampled, mostly in the upper reaches. So far, 29 species have been identified, including 7 species of concern. Overall, the river is showing good diversity of fish due to good diversity of habitats.
This is a two year study, so final results will not be in until 2012.
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