Ryan Cutler observed the foamy appearance of the ocean from his residence near Salmon Beach on the western shores of Vancouver Island last week, signaling the onset of the herring spawn. Cutler, recognizing the phenomenon, expressed his awe at the spectacle unfolding. Utilizing a drone, he captured the distinctive sight of milky blue-green waters, indicative of herring congregating for reproduction in the shallow coastal bays.
The herring spawn holds significant cultural and ecological importance around Vancouver Island and the South Coast. For coastal First Nations communities, it symbolizes the arrival of spring and a time for harvesting food. However, it is also a critical period for marine conservationists to monitor the population of these small, oily fish, which have faced a decline due to excessive fishing in recent decades.
Herring, considered a keystone species, gather in large numbers for procreation. Females deposit eggs on kelp and eelgrass, while males release milt, creating the characteristic milky appearance of the water. Cutler noted the visible signs of staging, with herring assembling and preparing for spawning evident in the preceding weeks, attracting various wildlife such as sea lions, eagles, and humpback whales to the area.
Nick Chowdhury, president of the Island Marine Aquatic Working Group, emphasized the spawn’s importance for coastal First Nations, serving as a traditional time for food gathering and marking seasonal transitions. The group facilitates tracking the spawn’s location and timing through a Facebook page, aiding in evaluating fish stocks and supporting conservation efforts.
Salmon Beach witnessed one of the initial herring spawns on Vancouver Island, with Chowdhury highlighting the excitement of observing the annual event and assessing fish populations. The ability to track the spawn’s progress allows for a better understanding of the advocacy work undertaken for stock management and fishing regulations, reflecting a shift from past practices of exploiting fish resources without considering long-term sustainability.
Shirley Louie, a seasoned fisher and member of the Stz’uminus First Nation, delved into herring knowledge after being involved in a documentary project initiated by the Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society (QARS). This group, comprising six Coast Salish First Nations, focuses on aquatic resource management. Louie’s exploration led her to traditional herring cleaning and preparation methods, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with cultural practices and indigenous foods.