In a recent meeting of the Middleboro-Lakeville Herring Fishery Commission, concerns about water levels and their impact on local fishery operations took center stage. As members gathered in the town hall, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of urgency and frustration over the challenges posed by the river's changing conditions.

One key discussion point revolved around the potential hazards of navigating the river, particularly the risk of barges getting stuck on sandbars. A commission member expressed concern about the water levels, noting that just 200 feet downstream from the first bend, the sandbar stretches for nearly 2,000 feet. This situation could severely hinder access for fishing operations, which are vital to the local economy and ecosystem.

The conversation also touched on the delays in addressing these issues, with one member lamenting the lack of action from a contractor, Serpent, who had been tasked with improving access to the river. "It would have made access and changed a lot of things," they remarked, highlighting the frustration felt by the commission regarding the slow progress.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed the need for a long-term solution, acknowledging that waiting for natural events, such as floods or disease outbreaks that could affect local vegetation, was not a viable strategy. The urgency of the situation was palpable, with one member humorously suggesting they might as well inscribe a note on their gravestone about the delays.

Additionally, the commission explored the potential use of chemicals to manage the river's vegetation. Misty, a representative from the natural heritage program, mentioned a short-lived chemical that might not travel far downstream, raising questions about its effectiveness and safety for local water wells.

As the meeting concluded, the commission members left with a renewed sense of determination to address the challenges facing the fishery. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between nature and human intervention, as well as the ongoing commitment to preserving the local fishery for future generations. The path forward remains uncertain, but the resolve to tackle these pressing issues is clear.