What are forage fish, and why are they important?
Forage fish are small, schooling fish that form an important link in the marine food chain and make up a large portion of the diet of several species of economic and environmental significance such as Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, orcas, and certain sea birds. The three most common types of forage fish species in Western Washington are Pacific herring, surf smelt, and Pacific sand lance. Forage fish spawn in the intertidal zone and can be affected by shore-disturbing activities.
How can we minimize impact on forage fish when disturbing the shoreline?
West Fork Environmental has several biologists trained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to conduct forage fish spawning surveys. Our team is available to respond quickly to survey requests and can support shoreline permitting, restoration, and development projects in western Washington. Surveys are completed using current WDFW protocols, with clear documentation and timely reporting to support regulatory review.
