Doug Kalweit

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Cape Cod River Herring Warden Oral History Project

Description

This is a collection of interviews with people who serve the role of, “herring warden” in their respective towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As of July 2019 interviews are still being conducted and added to this database as they are completed.  Each audio file has been transcribed and photos are included if they were available.

Massachusetts has more than 100 herring runs – rivers in which two species of fish known as ‘river herring’ migrate from the ocean into freshwater rivers and ponds to spawn.  Since the 1600s MA towns have appointed herring wardens to regulate the harvest of Alosa pseudoharengusand Alosa aestivalisand maintain clear passage for them to the spawning grounds.  In-river harvest of these fish has been important for a long time – they were used as food by Native Americans and early colonists. The harvest continued to be important for food, fertilizer and bait right up until 2006.  Starting in 2006 the MA Division of Marine Fisheries prohibited harvest in response to declining populations.

The interviews were conducted by Abigail Archer, a Marine Resource Specialist and Extension Agent with the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension Marine Program and Woods Hole Sea Grant.  She coordinates a group in Massachusetts called the, “River Herring Network” that is composed of town river herring wardens from Cape Cod and Southeastern MA. 

 

Date of Interview
03-31-2014
DOI
10.25923/NWQJ-M588
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Since 1972, Doug Kalweit has worked for the Town of Barnstable and is now the Supervisor of the Barnstable Natural Resources Department. In these roles, he has been at the forefront of local conservation efforts, particularly in the realm of aquatic life management. His expertise encompasses a broad range of environmental disciplines, but he is especially known for his work with anadromous fish species, such as river herring. Kalweit's educational background likely includes studies in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field, providing him with a strong foundation for his role in preserving and restoring local ecosystems. Throughout his tenure, Kalweit has been recognized for his hands-on approach to environmental stewardship and his commitment to community engagement. He has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies to monitor and protect local wildlife populations. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between government agencies, environmental organizations, and the public to address ecological challenges. Kalweit's contributions to the Town of Barnstable have not only enhanced the natural landscape but also ensured the sustainability of vital natural resources for future generations.

Scope and Content Note:
The oral history interview with Doug Kalweit, a supervisor at the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources Department, provides a comprehensive overview of his work with river herring and the challenges faced in managing their populations. Kalweit discusses his responsibilities, which include overseeing the maintenance of herring runs and monitoring the herring population. He addresses the significant decline in herring numbers and the observed changes in their size, attributing these trends to various factors such as genetic differences among stocks and potential overfishing for bait. The interview also delves into the broader implications of the herring fishery's decline on the community and the necessity of regular upkeep of the herring runs. Kalweit and the interviewer, Abigail, explore the complexities of managing river herring, highlighting the absence of official criteria for opening the fishery and the challenges associated with regulating the bycatch of river herring by fishing boats. They emphasize the importance of data collection and the difficulties in distinguishing river herring from other herring types. Furthermore, the conversation touches upon the enforcement of regulations, the impact of a moratorium on herring fishing, and the concerted efforts to rejuvenate the herring runs. Controversies surrounding water levels in Wequaquet Lake and the history of the hand-dug herring run are also discussed, providing insight into the local environmental and regulatory issues


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