Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

. Schoodic Lake (Phase 3 alewife lake): Maintain current blockages for invasive
fish species at the outlet of Schoodic Lake until such time that Phase 2 alewife
restoration is complete.
c. Seboeis Lake (Phase 3 alewife lake): Maintain current blockages for invasive
fish species at the outlet of Seboeis Lake until such time that Phase 2 alewife
restoration is complete.
d. Piscataquis River (Dover-Foxcroft and Guilford): Create and maintain a minimum
30-inch vertical jump barrier to preclude upstream passage of invasive fish
species while still allowing Atlantic salmon to pass upstream at one or more of
the upstream passage facilities located at Brown’s Mill, Moosehead
Manufacturing, and Guilford. Keep the barrier in place at least until such time
that Phase 1 alewife restoration is complete and Group 1 American shad
restoration is complete.
Section 5 – Communication etc
Comment: The science is sound but a greater emphasis on the outreach is needed.
Education of the general public as to the benefits and importance of alewife restoration
is absolutely vital and there should be a stronger focus in the plan.
Response: We propose to add a task to Objective 27 that reads: Develop an outreach
strategy that incorporates the tasks that follow and identifies additional ways to educate
the general public on the benefits and importance of alewife restoration. NFWF has
indicated to DMR that they are interested in funding a two-year outreach position. The
successful candidate will work on an outreach plan and develop educational materials
(i.e. that can be used at meetings, schools, public speaking engagements, in blogs and
chat rooms, at outdoor shows, the Penobscot River Festival, left at Chamber of
Commences, press release, etc) and enlist members of the public to assist with
outreach.
Comment: There needs to be more on economics in this plan from multiple aspects,
including costs and benefits.
Response: The agencies involved in this operational plan are responsible for fisheries
management. One of the strategies (29) was to enlist the interest and collaboration of
experts in human dimensions, to evaluate the economics related to anadromous fish
restoration, including costs and benefits. Further, we use human dimensions to include
all levels of society, including communities (see page 104).
Appendices:
Comment: Appendix E should be expanded to include a discussion of the management
alternatives for alosine restoration (e.g., natural recovery, use of in-basin adult transfers,
use of out-of-basin fish transfers, hatchery culture), the pros and cons of each
alternative, and a description of why an alternative may or may not meet the restoration
objective.
Response: Appendix E was meant to address the complex options available for Atlantic
salmon management. We do not feel the inclusion of other species management
options is appropriate. Appendix A discusses management approaches for alosines.
PRFP Page 351