Henry Lind
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.
Henry Lind began working for the Town of Eastham in Barnstable County in 1971 as a shellfish warden and conservation agent. Born in the mid-20th century, Lind's early life was shaped by a profound appreciation for the natural world, which led him to pursue a career in environmental management. After completing his education, with a focus on marine biology and environmental science, he joined the Town of Eastham's Natural Resources Department in 1971. Initially, his work centered on the management of the local shellfishery, where he applied his expertise to sustain and enhance shellfish populations for both ecological balance and community benefit. Over the years, Lind's role evolved, and he became the Natural Resources Director for Eastham. In this capacity, he expanded his focus to include the management of river herring populations, a critical ecological and cultural resource in the region. His tenure was marked by efforts to restore herring runs and manage harvests, balancing the needs of the environment with those of the local community. Lind's leadership in environmental conservation was characterized by a pragmatic approach to resource management, informed by scientific research and community engagement. He retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to the preservation and restoration of Eastham's natural resources.
Scope and Content Note
In this oral history, conducted with Abigail Franklin Archer of the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension's Marine Program and Woods Hole Sea Grant, he covers topics such as his graduate work at the University of Delaware, enforcing harvesting laws, herring run maintenance and how river herring runs have changed during the course of his career. The conversation encompasses the practical aspects of herring management, including the enforcement of harvest limits, maintenance of passage routes, and the implications of a moratorium on herring fishing due to declining populations. Lind shares insights into the historical context of herring runs in the area, reflecting on the evolution of management practices and the challenges faced in balancing human activities with ecological preservation. The interview also delves into specific projects and research initiatives aimed at understanding and supporting herring populations. Lind and his colleague Abigail discuss the difficulties encountered with infrastructure, such as a problematic pipe under Herring Brook Rd, and the innovative use of a fire department pumper truck in their efforts. They also touch upon the research conducted by a doctoral candidate on the anthropogenic effects of development around spawning areas. A remediation project at Herring Pond is highlighted for its potential impact on herring populations. Throughout the interview, Lind's reflections on his career and the changes brought about by the fishing moratorium provide a personal perspective on the complexities of environmental management.
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