Fish
population is floundering
RI
DEM, with DEM photos
Recently, staff from DEM's Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) conducted a Coastal Pond Seine Survey at Quonochontaug Pond in Charlestown and Westerly.
The survey entails setting a 130’ seine net from a boat in a
wide horseshoe shape, and then hauling it by hand to the shore. The contents
are then analyzed and recorded. Fish are sorted by species, measured, counted,
and are released immediately after.
During the sampling, the most abundant species found was the
Atlantic silverside (a.k.a. “shiners” or minnows), followed by
young-of-the-year winter flounder.
Also encountered were a few tautog, summer flounder, blue crabs,
scup, mummichogs, and a northern sennet, a tropical stray in the barracuda
family that can be found in our waters in the summer and fall.
 |
| Baby flounder |
"This survey has been conducted since 1994 to monitor the
relative abundance and distribution of juvenile fish and invertebrates in the
Washington County, RI, coastal ponds."
These surveys are an example of the Division of Marine
Fisheries' mission to research and monitor marine species to support the
effective management of finfish and invertebrates of commercial and
recreational importance.
To learn more about the Coastal Pond Seine Surveys, please visit
here: http://www.dem.ri.gov/marine
