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April 22, 2009 |
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Carmans Partnership Earns Award
The Carmans River Fish Ladder Partnership, a team of individuals from federal, state, and local government agencies and conservation groups, was chosen to receive the 2008 Coastal America Spirit Award in recognition of its efforts to install a fish ladder at Hards Lake dam.
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The Hards Lake fish ladder, which was installed in March 2008, allows migratory fish such as alewife and sea run brook trout to access upstream habitat that had been off limits since the dam's construction. Dams and other migratory barriers have contributed to a great reduction in the populations of important migratory species, which, in turn, has negatively impacted our coastal ecosystems. The Hards Lake ladder is an important first step in remedying the situation – it's the first permanent fish ladder to be installed on Long Island and alewives were observed using it almost immediately.
The Coastal America award highlights the effectiveness of collaborative, community-based approaches to aquatic habitat issues. The success of the Fish Ladder Partnership has inspired numerous similar efforts across the island. There are currently plans underway to install fish passage structures at other area dams on the Carmans, as well as the Swan River and other South Shore tributaries. Seatuck is working with members of the Carmans Fish Ladder Partnership and others to advance work on these and other habitat issues in the coastal streams of Long Island. We are optimistic that through strong teamwork and a forward-thinking approach we can help to ensure that our coastal ecosystems are healthy and productive for generations to come. The Coastal America award was presented to the Fish Ladder Partnership at an event at the dam this spring. |
