Forage Fish Survey

Forage fishes are small schooling fishes that form a critical link in the marine food web between zooplankton and larger fish and wildlife consumers. Status of forage fish populations can be an indicator of the health and productivity of nearshore systems. Forage fish occupy every marine and estuarine nearshore habitat in Washington, and much of the intertidal and shallow subtidal areas of the Puget Sound Basin are used by these species for spawning habitat.

In 2016, Clallam MRC joined the Northwest Straits Commission's forage fish monitoring efforts. Three Clallam MRC members and the project coordinator participated in a day long training provided by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

The monthly forage fish samples are submitted to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for analysis. The analysis is qualitative and is only used to confirm presence/absence of forage fish. To be considered present at least 2 eggs have to be seen in a sample. Find more information at WDFW's project page.