PSF’s herring team in the field (Photo: Loïc Dallaire)
First Nations and scientists have known for some time that Pacific salmon and herring are inextricably linked and rely on each other for survival. Salmon depend on a steady diet of herring. In the Strait of Georgia, the majority of adult Chinook and coho salmon’s diet is made up of herring.
But compared to salmon, we know relatively little about herring. That’s something that PSF’s research team is trying to change through this project, which is possible thanks to funding from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, a joint program from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
“We’re trying to figure out what factors control herring abundance and distribution in the Strait of Georgia,” says Jess Qualley, biologist and project manager of PSF’s herring project. “Understanding the state of herring populations is important because it likely impacts salmon growth, survival, and reproduction.”
Jess Qualley is leading PSF’s herring project (Photo: Brandon Deepwell)
What scientists know so far is that healthy herring populations are advantageous for salmon as they divert seals away from targeting salmon for food—a growing problem for salmon in recent years as harbour seal populations have boomed.
In short, by supplementing food supply for salmon and reducing predation pressures, there is evidence that this small, silver forage fish can boost juvenile salmon’s chances of survival.
Innovative Technology
PSF’s team is filling in key scientific knowledge gaps, like assessing availability of juvenile herring for young salmon, tracking changes to the Strait of Georgia’s resident herring populations, and evaluating herring spawn habitat.
To do this, researchers employ innovative fieldwork methods, including interpreting sound waves to estimate the size of herring populations and using underwater remotely operated vehicles, satellite imagery, and drones to assess spawn habitat.
Herring spawn near Qualicum Beach in March 2024 (Photo: Loïc Dallair)
The latter is an extensive and cost- effective way to monitor herring spawn patterns and trends. Every year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) operates dozens of flight surveys during the height of the herring spawning season to make accurate stock assessments and record spawning activity.
But by using satellite imagery and drones, PSF has been able to observe herring spawn in remote areas not normally tracked by DFO surveys, like Klaskish Inlet on northern Vancouver Island.
“Herring spawn is one of the few animal kingdom events we can see from space,” said Loïc Dallaire, who is leading this part of the project.
“Using satellite imagery is a great opportunity to find new avenues to monitor and conserve herring on BC’s coastline in the future.” Drones also gave Dallaire and his team an incredible bird’s-eye view of this year’s spawn near Qualicum Beach in mid-March.
The spectacular sight turned the surrounding waters turquoise and provided a massive pulse of food and energy to the marine food web, attracting many species to the areas including seals, sea lions, and transient killer whales.
“It was very exciting to see the herring spawn up close and to witness the amount of life that the spawn supports,” he says.
The huge spawn also attracted the commercial herring fishery to the region. According to DFO statistics, herring biomass in the Strait of Georgia was forecasted to be 80,000 tons in 2024, the largest biomass of all the major stock assessment areas. Most Pacific herring are fished for roe, which is sold in Japan.
Angler fishes for herring during spawn near Qualicum Beach in March 2024 (Photo: Loïc Dallaire)
Working With First Nations
Historically, abundant herring supported a healthy food web and were an important food source for First Nations communities in the Strait of Georgia.
But in the last century, some herring populations in BC waters have declined dramatically. Commercial herring fisheries began in the 1800s before continual overfishing led to a catastrophic crash in the 1960s. Many traditional spawning sites disappeared completely. To explore the traditional cultural value of herring to coastal First Nations, PSF will provide funding for Indigenous groups to organize events and workshops that celebrate herring and bring elders and youth together.
It’s an opportunity for community members to exchange knowledge about how herring has influenced the traditions, distribution, and settlement of First Nations surrounding the Strait of Georgia and inspire the next generation of marine stewards.
PSF will be partnering with three communities whose traditional territories are located within the Strait of Georgia.
This summer (2024), crews will beach seine for juvenile salmon with Indigenous partners as part of the study to figure out when juvenile salmon feed on herring.
Signs of Recovery?
Despite some herring stocks struggling for decades, in the last 10 years there have been some signs that herring in the Strait of Georgia are making a comeback. University of Victoria researchers have observed large schools of “resident” or non-migratory herring throughout summer in the northern Strait of Georgia since 2017.
Herring eggs washed up on Gabriola Island 2024 (Photo: Ben Skinner)
Herring spawn has also been recorded in areas that haven’t seen this natural event in more than 50 years. For example, this year (2024), Sutil Point on Cortes Island recorded its first spawn since 1972, while locations on Hernando, Savary, and Salt Spring Island recently saw herring eggs for the first time since the 1980s.
“We typically expect to see spawn around Comox and Denman and Hornby Islands, but interestingly spawn has occurred in locations closer to the mainland and further south this spring.”
Why herring are returning to these sites is not clear. Qualley says scientists do not know why herring select certain spawning habitats, but it is an active field of study in PSF’s herring project.
What does this all mean for salmon and recreational fishers?
Well, many anglers have enjoyed the best salmon fishing in their lifetime over the last couple of seasons in the Strait of Georgia, which suggests more adult salmon are in the Strait with plenty of food to eat.
It’s too early to say whether there is a direct connection between unusual spawning activity and good salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia, but it’s encouraging news that herring spawn is returning to some of its historical geographic range.
“We’ve got a group of people who are really passionate about this project,” says Qualley. “I’m excited that this research is happening and what we’re going to discover.”
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