Alewives provide clean food for young of resident animals when they are feeding their young and protein packets for fish in lakes They offer a rich  and healthier  diet to the raptors at the time when they are feeding their young.  Because the alewives are not resident to the rivers they do not have the levels of pcbs, mercury and heavy metals.

( Bigelow p101)

 

 “That’s (on the lower Sebasticook) the largest congregation of eagles, in such a small area, likely the largest congregation on the East Coast,” Bennett said. “They’re feasting on the alewives. And we know that alewives are critical food for cod, seals and the entire marine food chain.”

Nick Bennett NRCM

Alewives provide clean food for young of resident animals when they are feeding their young and protein packets for fish in lakes They offer a rich  and healthier  diet to the raptors at the time when they are feeding their young.  Because the alewives are not resident to the rivers they do not have the levels of pcbs, mercury and heavy metals.

 Bigelow p.101