September 2020 - Restoring Migratory Shad to the Brandywine River
The once-abundant shad is often described as “the fish that fed the nation’s founders.” Now, however, this treasured fish is in peril along the Brandywine River. This is primarily due to old, industrial dams that mark the river’s course in Delaware, but also lack of habitat, increasing water temperatures, and over-fishing of the remaining members of the species by commercial operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
To combat this problem, Brandywine Shad 2020 was formed in a collaborative effort by experts from the University of Delaware, the Brandywine Conservancy, Hagley Museum and Library, other state and federal agencies, environmental non-profits, and private citizens. Together, they aim to restore the American shad to the Brandywine by returning the river to its free-flowing, pre-colonial state.
This summer, Delaware Sea Grant led research to evaluate the impact of the first dam removal, discovering more than 150 young shad from a stretch of river that had previously been unavailable.
To learn more about this effort, check out the latest episode of SeaTalk, or visit the official Brandywine Shad 2020 page at UD’s Water Resources Center.
Notable Dates in September
All month — Due to concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, the 33rd annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup won’t be a one-day event. Instead DNREC urges Delaware residents and visitors to make the First State cleaner through personal commitment and support of the Governor’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative. Visit the Delaware Coastal Cleanup page for more information.
Sept. 4 — DESG will be hosting a virtual information session on a new grant program focused on enhancing the economic resilience of Delaware’s communities. To learn more about the grant and how to join the session, visit our official event page.
Sept. 15, 17, 24, 29 — Building on public workshops held in March, DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will conduct a series of virtual workshops between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1 to solicit feedback on specific actions the state is considering for the Climate Action Plan. To learn more and register, visit DNREC’s Taking Action portal.
Sept. 22 — Today is the first day of fall, the September Equinox, when day and night are approximately equivalent because it is one of two days of the year the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward or away from the Sun. To learn more facts, figures, and folklore about the September Equinox, check out the Old Farmer’s Almanac.