Abstract:
River herring have been fished for over 350 years, making it one of the oldest fisheries in the country. At one time the herring filled eastern NC rivers by the millions, but now the number has been dramatically reduced. Causes suggested are dams and developments that block access to spawning grounds, pollution, overfishing, and predation by striped bass. The herring have not rebounded even after management agencies have restricted harvests. Allegood discusses ongoing herring research.