The Herring Are Back

     "Each spring, millions of river herring migrate into Massachusetts' coastal waters to begin their annual trek up dozens of our coastal streams and rivers. They are returning to the place of their birth to spawn and create a new generation of river herring." from A Guide to Viewing River Herring in Coastal Massachusetts

     It's hard to believe the journey that these determined fish make each year. These photos were taken in Weymouth where there are a number of fish ladders to help the herring reach their spawning site in Whitman's Pond. 

     What this still photo cannot convey is the sheer force of the water rushing over these ladders. My trigger finger wasn't fast enough to capture one of these travelers leaping up the ladder, but trust  me, it is truly impressive. I'll try again another day to see if I can do better.

    There is a small park in East Weymouth where you can watch the process. The photo at the top of this post shows some of the fish in the pool underneath another fish ladder there. The fish rest here before continuing on their journey.