Ryan Cutler observed the foamy appearance of the ocean from his residence close to Salmon Beach on the western side of Vancouver Island last week, signaling the onset of the herring spawn. Cutler described it as a breathtaking period to witness. Using his drone, he captured the distinctive foamy, milky blue-green waters indicating the herring’s gathering for reproduction in the coastal shallow bays.
The herring spawn is a significant event for Vancouver Island and the South Coast, symbolizing the arrival of spring and a time for food gathering for some coastal First Nations. Additionally, it serves as a crucial period for marine conservationists to monitor the declining population of herring due to overfishing over the past few decades.
Herring, as a pivotal species, form large groups during reproduction. Females deposit eggs on kelp and eelgrass, while males release milt, resulting in the milky water appearance. Cutler noticed signs of staging, where herring aggregate and prepare for spawning, in the weeks leading up to the event, accompanied by the gathering of sea lions, eagles, and humpback whales.
Nick Chowdhury, president of the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group, emphasized the importance of the herring spawn for coastal First Nations, representing a seasonal shift and an opportunity for food gathering. The sighting of the first spawn at Salmon Beach on Vancouver Island marked the beginning of the annual excitement, allowing for fish stock assessment.
Shirley Louie, a seasoned fisher and member of the Stz’uminus First Nation, recently delved into herring knowledge through a documentary project with the Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society. She embraced traditional herring catching and preparation methods, including using a herring rake, recognizing the significance of preserving and returning to indigenous culinary practices.
