How do the spawning grounds of Atlantic herring differ from those of most clupeiform fishes?

Most clupeiform fishes typically spawn in shallow, nearshore environments, such as fjords, bays, or areas close to the coast, often at depths ranging from just below the mean low-tide level to about 4 metres (13 feet).1

In contrast, the Atlantic herring is a notable exception, as it spawns on offshore banks at significantly greater depths, typically between 40 and 200 metres (approximately 130 to 660 feet). While most clupeiforms favor these protected, shallow coastal waters for reproduction, the Atlantic herring's reliance on deeper, offshore spawning grounds distinguishes its reproductive behavior from the majority of its order.1