Alewives have reportedly started their run this year in Dresden.
“It’s incredible,” said Jeff Pierce, founder and executive director of Alewife Harvesters of Maine. “I haven’t seen them in Dresden this early” since the early ’80s. “Last year they started April 2, and we were all shocked.”
The fish started their run on March 23. In a typical year, the fish first arrive in Dresden between April 15 and 20, Pierce said. Dresden traditionally has the first run in the state, with other rivers and streams starting about a week behind.
The run on Friday and Saturday was strong, but backed off somewhat with the cold rains on Sunday and Monday, Pierce said. “I think it’s going to be a decent year.”
Residents in Damariscotta Mills and other local towns with alewife runs are advised to keep an eye on the river.
Deb Wilson, project director for the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration, said she expects to see fish in about three weeks.
In preparation for the run, the revamped fish ladder in Damariscotta Mills was turned on for a test run March 25.
“It was very exciting,” Wilson said. The test follows five months of work to put stone facing on 23 pools in the fish ladder. “It looks like it’s going to work really well.”
About half of the project was paid for with a $92,505 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The rest was raised through private donations and community fundraising, including $2900 from their fifth annual bean supper, held March 24. More than 300 people attended the supper. “It was a wonderful community party,” Wilson said.
The Damariscotta Mills fish ladder is now preparing for their Memorial Day weekend Fish Ladder Restoration Festival.
