Wells Reserve publishes a field guide to local waters

Did you know that the first fish to swim in space were of the same species that is most abundant in salt marshes here on the Seacoast?

Two juvenile Mummichogs were taken on the Skylab 3 mission in 1973 to study how they maintain balance. This “point of interest” and more can be found in the new book “Coastal Fish of Southern Maine and New Hampshire.” The book was released this year by the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, a research station of protected salt marshes in Wells, Maine.

According to editor Scott Richardson, the book is the first of its kind. There are books of a similar purpose about birds or wildlife, but not about fish in the area. “Curious naturalists are going to find a lot of fun on those pages,” Richardson said.

He said the book is intended as a guide for people who are interested in nature but may not have a fully rounded background in it. Recreational fishermen, for instance, might not learn much more about their favorite fish to catch in the book, but can round out their knowledge of what else is swimming below the surface.

Some of the well-recognized species in the book include bass, cod, flounder, pollock and trout. Many others aren’t recreationally or commercially significant for fishing, but are important to the ecosystem. Richardson said he hopes the book expands appreciation for the diversity of life under local waters.

People often don’t notice the fish in salt marshes, unless they look closely and see them moving. Those who do may wonder what kind of fish they’re seeing, and Richardson said the book will help them answer that question.

It can be difficult not to notice when Atlantic mackerel are running. These fish are constantly on the move and can be seen in schools near the water’s surface, shifting direction with undulating blue lights. The sight is among the most beautiful within the marine waters of New England, according to those who’ve observed it.
The bluefish is known for ferociously tearing through such schools, leaving a wake of scaly pieces. The splashing, leaping prey and squawking gulls overhead signal to anglers that blues are near, the book says. Schools of these fish have even been known to bite the legs of people swimming.

The 43 fish species listed in the book can be identified with the help of colorful and accurate illustrations painted by research scientist James Dochtermann. The illustrations are consistent and simple, as opposed to photographs that may contain distractions like a person’s hand.

Researchers at the Wells Reserve narrowed down more than two decades of data in the book and combined that with centuries worth of information from other sources, Richardson said. For each fish, the book provides information about life history, habitats, food web position, calendar, range, size and a detailed description of appearance. Although the book is scientific, it is also an enjoyable read. Contributors include Amy Safford, Michele Dionne, and Scott Orringer, as well as Dochtermann.

Toward the end of the roughly 70-page book is a short section on coastal fish conservation issues. It notes that many species accounts indicate a decline in population, and some are believed to be extirpated.
Part of the problem is the development of dammed rivers that created barriers for fish that migrate to spawn. In some cases, this has been alleviated by fish ladders and lifts. Another concern is water quality, and the authors suggest that reducing water pollution can happen at every level, from households to corporations.

Both commercial and recreational fishing can have an impact on fish populations. The book acknowledges that management of fish stocks has been challenging, but necessary. The authors write that Seacoast residents can be better environmental stewards by recognizing the fish in the area and the importance of each.     

“Coastal Fish” is available at the Wells Reserve and will soon be available at www.wellsreserve.org. It may also become available at local, independent bookstores for $19.95. Proceeds go to the Laudholm Trust for research.