The Department of Fish and Wildlife just released results from a monthly, two year survey of Washington’s outer coast which identifies forage fish spawning grounds. Results from each year were integrated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of all seasons.

The study:

• Sampled 89% of possible spawning habitat on the outer coast,
• Documented 40 spawning sites,
• Found smelt eggs at 32 sites
• Classified 20 sites as surf smelt spawning grounds,
• Documented 10 new spawning sites,
• Discovered several spawning events occurring during the spawning season.

 

 
Forage fish play a critical role in the marine food web as mid-level pray and are harvested by subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishers in Washington. In recognition that coastal Indian Tribes are co-managers, surveys were collaboratively conducted with members and employees of the Hoh, Makah, Quileute Indian Tribes, and Quinault Indian Nation.

Read the final report
More information on WDFW and forage fish