Ryan Cutler, residing near Salmon Beach on the western coast of Vancouver Island, observed foamy ocean waters from his window last week, signaling the onset of the herring spawn. Cutler described it as a remarkable period to witness. Utilizing his drone, Cutler captured the distinctive foamy, milky blue-green water, indicating the gathering of herring for reproduction in the shallow coastal bays.
The herring spawn is a significant time for Vancouver Island and the South Coast, symbolizing the arrival of spring and a crucial food-gathering period for some coastal First Nations. Moreover, marine conservationists seize this time to assess the population of the small, oily fish, which has faced a decline due to overfishing over recent decades.
Herring, as a crucial species, congregate in large groups for reproduction, with females laying eggs on kelp and eelgrass, while males release milt, creating the milky appearance of the water. Cutler noted the evident signs of staging, where herring start gathering and preparing to spawn, in the weeks leading up to the event. The area witnessed sea lions gathering, eagles soaring, and humpback whales swimming, indicating a vibrant ecosystem during the herring spawn.
Nick Chowdhury, president of the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group, emphasized the importance of tracking the spawn’s occurrence through their Facebook page, aiding in understanding the impact of advocacy efforts on stock management and fishing quotas. Chowdhury highlighted the shift from a mindset of unlimited abundance to a more responsible approach to herring fishing.
Shirley Louie, a seasoned fisher from the Stz’uminus First Nation, delved into learning about herring after being involved in a documentary project by the Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society. The society, representing six coast Salish First Nations, focuses on aquatic resource management, with Louie embracing traditional methods like smoking or frying herring and using a herring rake for catching the fish. Louie emphasized the value of reconnecting with traditional foods and practices, emphasizing the significance of preserving cultural heritage.