One way to address the problems facing the migratory fish populations is to connect with community resources and educate the citizens to raise community awareness about the problems facing migratory fish. In this way, students can ignite enthusiasm in order to motivate citizens and community members to get involved and become part of the solution.
In April of 2016, the community of New Haven did just that when they tackled the problem of Pond Lily Dam. Although there was a fish ladder built at the West River Fish way, the Pond Lily Dam continued to cause flooding and obstruct migratory fish from access to spawning grounds. Consequently, the community mobilized, working together to successfully removed the Pond Lily dam on the West River restoring stream access to migratory fish, such as the eel and shad. In addition to correcting the neighborhood flooding issue, the removal of the dam successfully restored important stream access to native migratory fish such as the shad, eel, and herring and re-opening habitats for spawning.
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