PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Celebrate World Fish Migration Day at the Pittsfield Public Library on Saturday, May 21, from 10 AM to 12 PM. 

 

Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), Housatonic Valley Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Pittsfield for this free day that takes place every two years as a global celebration to create awareness about the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers.

 

As part of this event, interactive displays for all ages will demonstrate some of the challenges migratory fish encounter—from physical barriers, such as dams and culverts, to runoff pollution that enters aquatic ecosystems. There will also be fun and engaging activities designed to educate children on migratory fish.

 

Additionally, presentations accompanied by short videos will begin at 10:30 AM and continue until 11:15 AM. Speakers will talk about the importance of fish being able to freely move throughout their habitat, the significance of fish-friendly culverts, and the effects of climate change on migratory fish. There will also be a discussion on dam and culvert removals that have taken or are currently taking place in Pittsfield, some of the water quality testing underway to ensure pollutants aren't entering the streams, and more. 

 

This event is sponsored by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), and the City of Pittsfield. 

 

For more information (and photos) regarding this event, contact Chelsey Simmons, chelsey@thebeatnews.org,  (413) 464-9402