Penobscot East Resource Center is working with Dr. Theo Willis and Dr. Karen Wilson from the University of Southern Maine, conducting research informed by Ted Ames’ work on links between stock collapses of groundfish (such as cod) and population levels of anadromous, or fresh water spawning fish (such as alewives). The research will use paleolimnology, taking core samples of Maine lake bottoms in order to determine the historical levels of alewife populations in the lakes. This will then be correlated to historical records of alewife and cod catches using many methods, including oral histories.

Look for more information on this project as it develops.