The Herring Run
News and Information about the
HERRING RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT
November 2021
Second Year of Spat Settlement Study Wraps Up
Above: Spat collects on quarry tiles
Field work for the second year of the study of spat settlement in the Herring River estuary concluded in September. Dr. Barbara Brennessel and Dr. John Portnoy designed and participated in the study, with assistance from UMASS student, Silas Watkins.

The study included five sites: a control site at the Puffer grant on Mayo beach (known to collect a good oyster set each year), Pebbly Bar in the Herring River Estuary, a site just seaward of the dike, a site just landward of the dike (near the kayak launch area), and a site upriver in a location known as the Dog Leg.

This year's results were largely similar to those in 2020. One notable exception is that the oyster bag containing the spat collectors at Pebbly Bar became clogged with sea lettuce (ulva lactuca), a large green seaweed, and flipped over in early summer. As a result, the tiles failed to collect spat after a major spawning event and thus the most productive time frame. Other highlights include:

  • In contrast with 2020, and as seen at Mayo Beach, spat settled in greater numbers in 2021.

  • 95% of all spat settled after the Jun 23 deployment but before the July 14 deployment.

  • Very few spat settled anywhere after July 25.

  • Although Pebbly Bar is usually an excellent site for spat settlement, macroalgae (sea lettuce) fouling and displacement of the oyster bag was probably responsible for little spat settlement this year.

  • Spat settled on tiles immediately landward of the dike but none were found further upriver, at the Dog Leg.

  • Due to paucity of spawning/spat settlement after early July in 2020 and 2021, the study may be modified in 2022 (the last year) so that tiles are deployed twice in June and perhaps once in July to more precisely capture spawning events.

FHR wishes to thank SPAT for funding this project and Jake and Irving Puffer for allowing the use of their grant as the control area.
Congratulations, Nancy Civetta!
Friends of Herring River congratulates Nancy Civetta on being named Shellfish Constable of the Year by the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association. The honor recognizes Nancy's leadership and achievements as Wellfleet's Shellfish Constable. Thank you, Nancy, for the dedication you and your team bring to to managing, protecting and enhancing Wellfleet's shellfish resources.
Friends Sponsor November Walks
Wellfleet Conservation Trust President, Denny O'Connell (center), joins FHR Board members Dale Rheault (left) and John Portnoy (right) at a recent Giving Thanks walk.
Friends of Herring River is sponsoring Giving Thanks, a series of guided walks held on Fridays in November. The walks are free and open to the public, and registration is required at HerringRiver.org/Events. Masks and social distancing protocols will be observed.

The remaining walks in the series are listed below.

THE WELLFLEET OYSTER - THEN AND NOW
Friday, November 12  11:00am-12:00pm
Dwight Estey will present a history of the town’s most renowned citizen, the Wellfleet Oyster. The group will move about the pier during low tide as Dwight points out areas of interest with a detailed look at the ebb and growth of the oyster industry. Develop a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of the Wellfleet oyster, including the factors of tide and water quality that help give it that special flavor. Learn how the harbor continues to produce a wild set while sustaining a booming aquaculture industry. We will discuss the ups and downs of history and battling the elements while moving with tides. A short shucking demonstration will conclude the walk.

Meet in front of Mac’s on the Pier. This walk is fully subscribed.

HOW VITAL THE HERRING INDUSTRY WAS FOR WELLFLEET IN THE 1800s
Friday, November 19 11:00am-12:00pm
Learn about the significant herring industry in Wellfleet in the 1800s and how its profits paid for most of the town’s expenses. This walk, presented by FHR Board member Lisbeth Wiley Chapman, will give you an idea of how productive the Herring River once was, why the river was diked at Chequessett Neck Road, and the impact the diking has had on the health of the river. Minimal walking is involved along the banks of the Herring River at Bound Brook Island and Lisbeth will share her photos of the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 
 
Meet at the small parking lot where the Herring River goes under Bound Brook Island Road. Space is limited to 10 participants.

THE BAKER - BIDDLE PROPERTY: NATIVE AMERICAN, EARLY EUROPEAN, AND 20th CENTURY USE OF THE LAND
Friday, November 26 11:00am-12:00pm
Join this walk on Native American Heritage Day to learn the fascinating history of the Baker-Biddle property, a relatively recent acquisition by the National Seashore and one seldom visited. The walk will be led by FHR Board member Alice Iacuessa, interpretive volunteer at the National Seashore, and former international educator.
 
Meet at the parking area at the end of Bound Brook Island Road. Space is limited to 10 participants.
P.O. Box 565
South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-214-0656