We are looking for volunteers for another season of our Shad & River Herring Tagging Project. This project involves using a large seine net to catch fish in the Raritan River, identifying and measuring the fish caught, as well as tagging the shad and river herring. We use PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags to record the movement of fish through a fish ladder at a local weir (similar to a dam) where we have installed a group of antennas. This weir presents an obstruction to the passage of fish up the Raritan River towards their spawning habitat, so it is important to gauge how well this fish ladder is working.
We will be sampling several times a week along the Raritan River, and this presents a great opportunity to get involved in an active research project. Our lab needs volunteers to assist with pulling the seine, fishing with a fishing pole, counting and identifying fish, recording data, and tagging fish. If you are interested in getting involved with this project (or would like to continue volunteering) please email
AnthonyVastano@gmail.com with your contact information (name, email address, and cell phone number) and shoe size for waders. Once we receive this contact information, we will forward you a link to sign up for sampling days.
Sampling will occur late March through late May. We will supply waders and life jackets for all involved, as well as have a training session to familiarize everyone with the equipment and procedures involved. We appreciate your help; this would not be possible without you!
Thanks!
