Frank & Marian Borek
Cape Cod River Herring Warden Oral History Project
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.
Frank and Marian Borek are a married couple who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to the conservation and management of natural resources in the Town of Brewster. Frank, with a background in education, spent years imparting knowledge as a teacher before taking on the role of a Herring Warden. His passion for teaching is matched by his love for cooking, a hobby that he relishes in his personal life. Marian, alongside Frank, has been an integral part of the herring management efforts in Brewster. Her upbringing in Worcester provided her with a unique perspective on environmental changes and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Together, the Boreks have been stewards of the environment, particularly focused on the protection and regulation of the local herring population. Their commitment to their roles as Herring Wardens has been a testament to their love for the local wildlife and the natural beauty of their town. The Boreks have also been active in engaging with the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the preservation of the local ecosystem.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Frank and Marian Borek provides an in-depth look into their roles as Herring Wardens for the Town of Brewster. The couple shares their experiences and personal anecdotes related to their duties, which include enforcing herring regulations, interacting with volunteers, and managing the Stony Brook mill. They recount memorable moments, such as Frank's encounter with author John Hay and various incidents they faced while on duty, including assisting injured individuals and addressing issues with swans. The Boreks express their culinary preferences, revealing a fondness for herring roe while disfavoring raw herring. Marian reflects on her childhood in Worcester and the transformation she has witnessed in the town's landscape. The interview also delves into the challenges of herring enforcement, the impact of environmental factors such as drought on the herring run, and the implementation of a moratorium on herring harvesting. The Boreks discuss the herring count program and the involvement of volunteer counters, as well as controversies surrounding water flow and herring theft. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the international interest in Brewster's mill, highlighted by an anecdote about a Scottish visitor's generous gift of Scotch. The interview encapsulates the Boreks' dedication to their roles, the community engagement they fostered, and the environmental changes they have observed.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.