Pacific Herring
The small silver Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) is considered a foundation species for the B.C. coast because of the contribution it makes as an ecosystem driver for both the marine and terrestrial realms. In early spring, the annual herring spawn provides a rush of nutrients at a critical time of year to a plethora of wildlife, including seabirds, marine mammals, wolves and bears. Herring may spawn up to ten times in their lives.
It was a busy scene in Qualicum Bay, everyone harvesting the bounty. This is both a lucrative and a very controversial fishery. I’m just glad the Eagle at least got it’s share.
What a great series, Martin. Nice that the Eagle got some, too. I think the herring were in the SF Bay recently. The birds were going crazy.
Thank you Jane! It is quite a spectacle to observe indeed. Does the water turn all white down there too? I’m told way up on the North Coast of British Columbia it stretches for miles and miles.
I dint see white…that must be quite a sight!
It is, it’s as if the ocean turns into glacial water – that turquoise colouring.
Cool! Don’t mind typing errors… it’s late. 😬
Nice Martin. I really like the wide shot of the boards with al the birds. It says so much.
I really liked the perspective too John!