Braintree creates Herring and Fisheries Commission to steward returning migratory fish

The Town of Braintree Town Council unanimously approved on Sept. 16 an ordinance establishing a Herring and Fisheries Commission to restore, protect and steward local streams, ponds and migratory fish runs.

Mayor Joyce's office proposed the commission after recent river restoration work — including dam removals and fish ladders — reopened migratory routes. The proposed commission will include three to five voting resident members and two nonvoting youth members (resident students at least 16 years old). Councilors amended the language to broaden eligibility for youth nonvoting members to Town of Braintree residents at least 16 years old rather than specifying Braintree High School, to accommodate students who attend area vocational schools.

Supporters at the public hearing emphasized the ecological and cultural importance of river herring, rainbow smelt and American eel. Planning staff and volunteers described successful fish passage restoration at Armstrong Dam and other sites that have allowed fish to return to upstream ponds and tributaries. Speakers said the commission will be a working, volunteer body that can coordinate stream maintenance, debris removal, volunteer cleanups, school outreach and grant-seeking in partnership with state agencies such as the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

Councilors framed the ordinance as part of a longer-term effort to restore river habitat, improve flood resilience and increase public access and education along the Manettequitt River and other waterways. The council approved the ordinance with the youth-member language change and referred implementation tasks to conservation, DPW and planning staff for interagency coordination and grant pursuit.