Support CRWA by Adopting a Shad

Adopt A Shad for $25

CRWA coalesced a partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to reintroduce millions of juvenile American shad fry into the Charles River for three years, from 2006 through 2008. A total of five million shad have been released, and some of the fish may begin coming back to the Charles as early as next year. Click here for more information on this project.

The American Shad, reaching 7-8 lbs. and 30 inches at maturity, are one of the largest members of the herring family, an anadromous fish that is born in rivers, spends its adult life in the ocean and returns to rivers to spawn. Since 2003, CRWA has improved fish passage and water quality in preparation for these fish fry to survive. In 2005, CRWA created a breach in Bleachery Dam in Waltham and is still aiding in the repair and maintenance of fish ladders at several other dams. As a partner in the fish restoration project, CRWA will sample juvenile fish and monitor the water quality of the stocking site and sites further downriver.

In the summer of 2008, an educational kiosk was placed on the banks of the Charles River in Watertown that educates about fish native to the Charles River. To continue our work in monitoring fish progress and educate about native fish, CRWA is offering the opportunity to 'adopt a shad' and donate to this important work.

Adopt A Shad for a minimum contribution of $25

CRWA will send you or your designated recipient a beautiful certificate. Your gift is tax deductible.