River herring, alewifes and bluebacks, have provided a crucial ecological foundation for human communities since the first peopling of this area 10,000 years ago. Despite dam construction, pollution, and overfishing, archaeological evidence, historical records, and ecological research all show how crucial these fish remain to human communities along the shore. This talk will present a historical overview of how important these fish have always been to people living in this larger area, where stocks are headed, and what we can do to help rebuild them.

Matthew McKenzie is a professor of History and Maritime Studies at the University of Connecticut. His first book, Clearing the Coastline, explored the intricate relationships between Cape Cod forage fish and human communities. He also represented Connecticut on the New England Fishery Management Council for nine years.

Presented in collaboration with the Old Lyme Conservation Commission.