Brunswick officials voice support for better fish passage on the Androscoggin River [Video]

The Town of Brunswick signaled support for a new fish ladder on Monday as the Androscoggin River dam faces license renewal.

The memo submitted with the resolution, drafted by Brunswick Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farrell, notes shared values with Chip Spies, the founder and coordinator of the Free the Andro Coalition. The coalition formed in January, proclaiming goals to fight for fish passage at the dam.

The draft resolution states that the current fish passage is not sufficient for migratory species, according to multiple state and federal agencies. It also states that impaired fish passage has contributed to declining populations in migratory fish, including the endangered Atlantic salmon. Farrell said that the measure has already been approved by other town committees and boards.

Councilor Steve Weems added one amendment to the motion, inserting the word “require” to one of the action statements that aimed to allow “unfettered fish passage for the 11 …