PUBLIC DOCUMENT - - No. 25. 85 



stances under the water. In passing up the streams the alewives 

 are able to surmount falls and dams not over 2 to 2^ feet high. 

 In Massachusetts two classes of spawning ponds are found: 

 (1) at the source of the coastal stream varying from a fraction 

 of a mile to many miles from the ocean, and (2) near the salt 

 water, usually separated only by a narrow sand beach through 

 which a temporary inlet is made at times. 



The young alewife attains a size of from 2 to 4 inches by 

 fall, when it descends from the breeding grounds to the ocean 

 unless prevented by artificial obstructions. Its subsequent 

 growth is somewhat a matter of conjecture. It is commonly 

 recognized that the same alewife will return three or four years 

 later as a full-grown fish to the same stream for the purpose of 

 spawning. This is what is known as " the parent stream theory," 

 and in all probability it is correct, although positive proof is dif- 

 ficult to obtain. Upon this assumption are based the plans for 

 the future re-establishment of the alewife fishery, since by 

 placing the spawning adult in the headwaters of the depleted 

 alewife streams the fishery can once more be re-established. 



Present Conditions. - - The present status of the alewife fishery 

 is deplorable. This condition has primarily resulted from the 

 lethargy of the towns, which, by inactivity, carelessness or 

 ignorance, have permitted the destruction of this valuable fishery. 

 Certain towns have taken an active interest in the welfare of 

 their alewife fishery, and have maintained the streams in first- 

 class order, a marked contrast to the wretched conditions 

 generally prevalent in other coastal towns. It is imperative 

 that if this State asset is to be saved, radical and immediate 

 action must be taken to rouse the inattentive towns to a sense 

 of their responsibility. 



Decline. The decline of the alewife fisheries is an established 

 fact recognized by all. There is scarcely a stream in the Com- 

 monwealth with a maximum normal production, and the greater 

 part are yielding an infinitesimally small percentage of this 

 amount. On the other hand, the underlying causes of the decline 

 are not as well known, but are of great importance as regards 

 the future of the alewife fishery. 



(1) Natural Changes. Deforestation reduces the volume of 

 water. Changes in the outlet of the streams or in the water 

 level or outlet of the ponds which form their source are likewise 

 contributing factors. 



(2) Obstructions. The accumulation of debris and other ma- 



